WILLIAMSBURG, VA.- William & Mary fell in three sets to Elon Wednesday evening in Kaplan Arena. The Tribe battled in extremely close first and third sets, but could not get past the Phoenix dropping to 2-9 in conference play. Anna Porter and Lauren Merrill were strong defensively with 17 and 14 digs respectively while Julia Brown was the Tribe's best offensive weapon with 10 kills. William & Mary will look to right the ship when they take the floor Friday against Charleston.
 
How It Happened
Seeing 10 ties and four lead changes, the first frame was a hotly contested set of volleyball. Elon took an early advantage but the Tribe battled back as the teams traded blows in the opening game. William & Mary recorded an impressive 19 digs in the set, but it was not enough to stop Elon from snagging a 25-22 win. Both teams hit an identical .152 in the opening stanza. 
 
The second set favored Elon from the start as the Phoenix would build an early lead with no intent on relinquishing it. The visitors hit an impressive .364 in the frame and dug 20 Tribe attacks on their way to a 25-13 decision. Lauren Merrill had a service ace and three of her 14 digs in the frame, but Elon would coast to a 2-0 lead. 
 
The Phoenix looked poised to waltz through the third set as well, winning the opening six points. However, the Tribe showed incredible resilience fighting back before taking a 9-8 edge. Elon rushed to a 17-12 lead, but once again the Green and Gold showed persistence tying the set at 21-21. With the game tied at 23-23, Elon took the next two points to finish off the 3-0 sweep.   
 
Inside the Numbers
Julia Brown posted 10 kills on the night, her eighth double-digit kill effort this season. The junior's .667 hitting percentage is a season-high. Anna Porter finished with a game-high 17 digs, her second-highest total in a three-set match this season. It was the 11th time this year that the true freshman topped 10 digs in a match. Lauren Merrill added 14 digs, one away from her season-high. With 25 assists on the evening, Autumn Brenner broke the 2,400-mark. The senior sits in fifth place in Tribe history with 2,407 assists. Brenner also recorded a season-high three blocks. William & Mary put forth a strong defensive effort on the backline digging 51 balls for a 17.00 dig per set average. 
 
Up Next
The Tribe will conclude their stretch of five games over nine days this weekend. William & Mary will welcome in Charleston on Friday evening before battling UNCW in a Senior Day clash Sunday afternoon.