ELON, N.C. (April 12, 2015) – Playing its third consecutive road game to open its conference slate, the William and Mary lacrosse team was edged at Elon, 8-7, on Sunday afternoon.

Although W&M (5-8, 1-2) held the Phoenix (8-6, 1-3) to just one goal in the final 46:41, it was unable to overcome a five-goal first half deficit.

Nearly all of Elon's scoring came in the opening 10 minutes, as it built a 6-1 advantage following a goal by Abby Godfrey with 20:32 showing.

The College narrowed the margin to just three by halftime, 7-4, as it scored three of the stanza's final four goals. Freshman Abby Corkum (18:43), junior Zoe Boger (10:53) and senior Amanda Johnson (6:00) all found the back of the cage during the stretch.

A goal by sophomore Shannon Quinn with 20:46 remaining was the lone score of the initial 25 minutes of the second half.

Although Elon briefly reclaimed a three-goal advantage following a score by Sloane Kessler with 4:43 remaining, W&M answered with back-to-back goals by senior Ellen Shaffrey (3:31) and freshman Danielle Palmucci (1:50).

While Elon won the draw following Palmucci's score, W&M had one last opportunity to tie the contest after gaining possession when junior goalie Meredith Crizer stopped Kessler's attempt on goal with 0:20 remaining.

After a timeout, the Tribe successfully cleared the ball up field but was unable to attempt a potential game-tying shot.

Boger led W&M with two goals and four draw controls, while Shaffrey, Quinn and sophomore Abby Junior totaled two draw controls apiece.

W&M outshot EU, 27-23, and owned an 11-6 advantage in draw controls. However, the Phoenix held a narrow 13-11 edge in ground balls, while goalie Rachel Ramirez totaled a game-high 15 saves.

Stephanie Asher led Elon with four points (3g, 1a).

The Tribe will return to action when it hosts Delaware and Towson next weekend.