Virginia Commonwealth University

Box Score: Elon 4, VCU 1
Location: Elon, N.C. / Rudd Field
Records: VCU 0-1, Elon 1-0
 
THE SHORT STORY
VCU opened its 2026 campaign on the road, falling in a 4-1 match at Elon. Freshman forward Monique McEnhimer scored the Rams' first goal of the season and her first on the collegiate pitch, but VCU was unable to erase its early deficit.
 
PITCH-SIDE

• McEnhimer played 52 minutes off the bench, scoring the Rams' lone goal
• Jensyn Lins and Jazmin Jackson had VCU's other shots on goal
• Goalkeeper Cameryn Nunn made first start as a Ram, recording five saves in the match
• VCU was outshot 24-7, and Elon held the edge in corner kicks, 7-4
• Ava Hellner led the Phoenix offensive charge with a brace for Elon

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Cameryn Nunn opened the game with a pair of saves in the first seven minutes, but Elon managed two first-half goals
• VCU pressed at the end of the first half, regaining control and forcing a pair of saves from Naomi Person in the 35^th and 37^th minutes before the Rams broke through
• McEnhimer slashed the Phoenix lead with her 40^th-minute strike, and the Rams entered the half trailing by just a goal
• Elon came out with the momentum in the second half, extending its lead back to a pair in the 48^th minute off the boot of Nicole Kleyner
• The Phoenix drew a penalty in the 64^th minute and Hellner's low-left laser gave Elon its three-goal lead
• The Rams fell in their season opener 4-1

 
SCORING MOMENTS
9' | Elon 1, VCU 0 – Talia Feigin; Unassisted
20' | Elon 2, VCU 0 – Ava Hellner; Isa Murdock
40' | Elon 2, VCU 1 – Monique McEnhimer; Unassisted
48' | Elon 3, VCU 1 – Nicole Kleyner; Unassisted
64' | Elon 4, VCU 1 – Ava Hellner (PK)
 
UP NEXT
The Rams will host NC State for their home opener at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 16. Admission to home games at the VCU Athletic Village are free, more venue information can be found here.