ELON, N.C. – Despite a strong four innings of relief work from Matt Howat, the Tribe was unable to break through on offense in an 8-0 loss Sunday afternoon at Elon. The sophomore tossed 4.0 scoreless innings shutting the Phoenix down from the fourth through the seventh innings. 
 
Elon scored three in the first inning and added a run in the second for a 4-0 advantage. The Phoenix posted a four spot in the bottom of the eighth to cushion the lead. William & Mary could not get to Brian Edgington who scattered just three hits over a clean nine innings. 
 
Jack Cone doubled for the Tribe in the top half of the first but was stranded on second. In the bottom half, Cassella led off with a double and would later score on a sac fly. Elon would plate two more on Anthony Galason's two-run homer. The Phoenix used three straight singles to add a run in the second making it 4-0. 
 
Matt McDermott added the Tribe's second hit of the ball game to lead off the top of the fourth and extend his hitting streak to 10 contests. The senior infielder would steal his fourth base of the season but be stranded at third as Edgington retired the side. 
 
Tyler Solomon would record the Tribe's third and final hit of the game as he looped a double into right center in the top of the eighth. Solomon would be unable to score as Nic Britt and Ben Williamson delivered a pair of hard-hit outs to finish the frame. 
 
After four solid innings of work keeping the Tribe within striking distance, Howat left the game in the bottom of the eighth and the Phoenix wasted no time taking advantage. Elon scored four runs on four hits extending the lead to 8-0 and icing the ball game. 
 
Zach Tsakounis took the loss for the Green and Gold giving up four runs over 3.0 innings pitched. Ben Williamson went hitless for the first time since February ending his hitting streak at 17 games. 
 
The Tribe will begin a seven game homestand on Wednesday hosting VCU before welcoming Elon in for a three-game set at Plumeri Park over the weekend.