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Elon Today
By the People, for the People
Late Seventh-Inning Rally Lifts Dayton Past Phoenix, 9-8
Elon softball team surrenders late lead in loss to Dayton
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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The Elon softball team surrendered a late lead, falling to Dayton, 9-8, on the third day of the Phoenix Invitational on Saturday at Hunt Softball Park. The loss drops the Phoenix to 1-7 on the season while Dayton improves to 6-1.
Why it matters
The Phoenix had a chance to pick up a key early-season win at home, but were unable to hold on to their lead late in the game, highlighting the challenges the team has faced in the early part of the season.
The details
Dayton used a two-run homer to get off to a fast start in the top of the first inning, taking a 2-0 lead. Elon answered with two runs in the bottom of the second to tie the game. The Phoenix took the lead with two more runs in the bottom of the third and added another run in the bottom of the fifth to make it 5-2. Dayton cut into the advantage in the top of the sixth, trimming the deficit to 5-4. Elon responded in the bottom half of the inning to push the lead to 7-4 heading into the final inning. However, the Flyers mounted a comeback in the top of the seventh, scoring five runs to take a 9-7 lead. Elon made a late push in the bottom of the seventh, but ultimately fell short, losing 9-8.
- The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
- Elon's next game is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 against Duke.
The players
Greta Hessenthaler
Elon player who led the way for the Phoenix, going 3-for-5 with a double.
Teagan Baulsir
Elon player who hit her second home run of the season and finished 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Chloe Hatzopoulos
Elon player who went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Maroon and Gold.
Jenna Klein
Elon player who hit a double in the bottom of the seventh inning to cut the deficit to one.
Reili Gardner
Elon player who hit a triple in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game at 2-2.
What’s next
Elon returns to Hunt Softball Park on Tuesday, Feb. 17, hosting Duke. First pitch between the Phoenix and the Blue Devils is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will stream on FloCollege.
The takeaway
The Phoenix had a chance to pick up a key early-season win at home, but were unable to hold on to their lead late in the game, highlighting the challenges the team has faced in the early part of the season. However, the team will have another opportunity to get back on track when they host Duke on Tuesday.
