FINAL SCORE
Elon (15-14, 9-9 CAA) – 70
Monmouth (15-14, 10-8 CAA) – 54
 
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Monmouth University Women's Basketball Team put together a strong first half but was unable to hold off Elon's second-half surge, falling 70-54 on Saturday afternoon at the OceanFirst Bank Center.
 
Damaris Rodriguez led Monmouth with 18 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Taisha Exanor contributed seven points and eight rebounds, while Belle Kranbuhl anchored the interior with eight points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. Jaye Haynes also chipped in 10 points, hitting two three-pointers.
 
Monmouth started the game with strong defense, keeping pace with Elon in a 13-13 first quarter. The Hawks took control in the second, outscoring the Phoenix 18-8 behind efficient shooting and lockdown defense. Rodriguez orchestrated the offense, and Monmouth built a 31-21 halftime lead.
 
Elon responded in the third quarter, using a 27-point outburst to swing momentum. The Phoenix shot 55% from the field in the period, including three three-pointers, to take a 48-47 lead into the final quarter. Monmouth struggled to regain its offensive rhythm, shooting just 0-for-4 from the field in the fourth quarter while Elon pulled away with a 22-7 advantage.
 
Despite the loss, Monmouth tallied nine blocks to extend their conference lead. The Hawks also converted 14-of-17 free throws, but Elon's second-half efficiency proved too much to overcome.
 
NOTES & QUOTES
"Our defense didn't show up in the second half, and we just weren't as aggressive as we needed to be when Elon made their run.
 
It's unfortunate to drop one on Senior Day, but the contributions of our seniors and graduates have been invaluable. This team has grown exponentially over the season, and we are excited to head to D.C." – Head Coach Cait Wetmore

- The two teams split the season series, 1-1.
- Elon outscored Monmouth 49-23 in the second half.
- Rodriguez played all 40 minutes for the second time this season.
- Monmouth was outrebounded for the seventh time this season.
- Alexis Stewart made her first start of the season and played a season-high 27:13.
- Monmouth falls to 10-8 in CAA contests and 10-4 at home.
- Elon leads the all-time series, 3-2.
 
NUMBERS CRUNCH
- The game featured two lead changes and five ties.
- The Hawks led for 10:20, while the Phoenix led for 23:47.
- Monmouth made 38.3% of its field goals to Elon's 41.1%.
- Elon won the rebounding battle, 43-34.
- Elon outscored Monmouth, 20-11, off turnovers.
- Elon had more points in the paint, 26-22.
- The Phoenix had more second chance points, 11-9.
- MU had more fastbreak points, 13-9.
- Elon had more bench points, 34-5.
 
UP NEXT
The Hawks finish the regular season with a 15-14 overall record while going 10-8 in CAA games. Monmouth has clinched the fifth seed in the upcoming CAA Championship and will play either (12) Stony Brook or (13) Hampton at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13.