WILMINGTON, N.C. ? Less than a minute after UNC Wilmington scored to tie the game at two, Elon freshman Courtney Seltman knocked home the game-winner with 30 seconds remaining to give the Phoenix a 3-2 victory over the host Seahawks in an exhibition game on Thursday evening at UNCW Soccer Stadium. Elon rookies accounted for two goals and two assists in the contest.
 
“We came in and played a very good opponent in a very tough environment,” said Elon second-year head coach Chris Neal. “Both teams were trying a lot of different things and we were fortunate to come out on top. Nevertheless, it is preseason so we can’t read too much into it. We have to keep preparing and be ready for our first game at VMI next week.”
 
Elon got on the board first with junior Brittany Hallberg’s strike at 21:06. Phoenix keeper Sydney Little punted the ball down the field where Hallberg beat a defender and knocked in the score from 15 yards out. The Phoenix held the lead at halftime before Wilmington’s Ashley Myers drilled one of her team-high nine shots to the upper left to tie the game at the 59:50 mark.
 
The Phoenix continued to attack, regaining the advantage when freshman Shannon Foley headed classmate Liz Palmer’s free kick past UNCW goalie Caitlin Hunter at 74:39. Elon continued to withstand a strong Seahawk attack, fending off 16 shots on the evening.
 
With under two minutes to play, Myers knocked in her second goal of the contest, knotting the score at two. A tie seemingly imminent, Seltman secured the Phoenix victory with her goal at 89:29.   
 
Senior keeper Sydney Little turned in an impressive performance in goal, stopping a barrage of Seahawk shots and recording four saves in 45 minutes of action. Twenty-one Elon players saw time in the exhibition contest.
 
The Phoenix will open the regular season at VMI next Friday, August 28 at 6 p.m.