It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Alan J. White Bell Tower in Elon, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Elon, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Exceptional service! Amber provided great service for Mr. Barnes and Leslie was instrumental in helping”
“Great company!”
“I could not possibly give enough stars for this service. I had a lifesaving experience”
“Karla dixon is truly a great person for the community. She is compassionate and very”
“Karla Dixon is an amazing asset to the community and Always Best Care in Burlington,”
“I have been able to personally witness Karla at work and her dedication is unmatched!”
“ABC Senior Services provides great service to our community. And no one exemplifies that service”
“Always Best Care is such a blessing to our community. Karla Dixon is an absolute”
“Karla Dixon is an exceptional Director of Community Relations at Always Best Senior Care Services.”
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Karla and Stephen. You can tell”
“Mom was always well taken care of, fed, and content when we got home. Paula”
“Our family uses Torrie with Always Best Care in Burlington to help take care of”
“Karla Dixon, is great to work with and always helpful. Would recommend contacting her for”
“I cannot say enough great things about Karla Dixon at Always Best Care. From the”
“Great care and even better communication. The admin team is so helpful and kind, willing”
“We have been using Always Best Care in Burlington since October, 2025. Karla Dixon has”
“From the outside looking in, you don’t always see the care, patience, and dedication that”
“Karla Dixon helped my mom with in-home care and eventually, finding an assisted living facility.”
“Karla has been such a great help to the community.”
“Karla Dixon is very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable! Highly recommend!”
“If you are looking for in home care services for your loved one, Always Best”
“Reliable, caring, and professional—Always Best Care is awesome!”
“Seeing the care they provide, I’d highly recommend them to any family in need of”
“Warren's Drug Store is so thankful for Karla from Always Best Care and our partnership”
“Exceptional service! Amber provided great service for Mr. Barnes and Leslie was instrumental in helping with next steps into a facility . Great company to care for your parents while you are at work or away. Rick”
“Great company!”
“I could not possibly give enough stars for this service. I had a lifesaving experience with Always Best. Everyone from top to bottom were so wonderful and helpful. I called on a Sunday after hours and we had an assessment by Monday. Leslie had us an interview with a top notch care facility by Tuesday. She even took time out of her day to join me on the tour. The caregivers are all wonderful. I can't say enough good things. They literally saved us. I would not only recommend, I would shout it from the rooftops. You will not find a more dependable, helpful, or caring service.”
“Karla dixon is truly a great person for the community. She is compassionate and very helpful.”
“Karla Dixon is an amazing asset to the community and Always Best Care in Burlington, NC.”
“I have been able to personally witness Karla at work and her dedication is unmatched! She is excellent.”
“ABC Senior Services provides great service to our community. And no one exemplifies that service and what it means to be a great caretaker more than Karla Dixon. She is amazing both to work and care alongside.”
“Always Best Care is such a blessing to our community. Karla Dixon is an absolute joy to work with. Her empathy and dedication are unmatched. She always goes above and beyond.”
“Karla Dixon is an exceptional Director of Community Relations at Always Best Senior Care Services. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate the care process with confidence. From the first interaction, Karla demonstrates professionalism, kindness, and genuine concern for each person’s unique needs. She takes the time to listen, answer questions thoroughly, and ensure families feel supported every step of the way. Her communication is outstanding, and she consistently goes above and beyond to connect people with the right resources and quality care. If you’re looking for someone who is trustworthy, caring, and passionate about serving the community, I highly recommend Karla Dixon and the team at Always Best Care Senior Services. Her Commitment to excellence and heartfelt compassion make a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.”
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Karla and Stephen. You can tell how much pride they have in their jobs by how much care they show. You know that you’ll always receive the best care with Always Best Care”
“Mom was always well taken care of, fed, and content when we got home. Paula and Takara went above and beyond our expectations. Always Best Care was easy to make appointments with and followed through on questions we had. Thank you for your care of my mother!”
“Our family uses Torrie with Always Best Care in Burlington to help take care of my 94 yr old Mom. Torrie is amazing! Mom absolutely loves her!! Torrie is so kind and so good with her. We wish we could have Torrie full time, we would! Very grateful for Torrie! God bless this angel!”
“Karla Dixon, is great to work with and always helpful. Would recommend contacting her for home care needs or referral services for senior living options.”
“I cannot say enough great things about Karla Dixon at Always Best Care. From the very beginning, Karla demonstrated genuine compassion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of what families go through when seeking care for a loved one. She takes the time to truly listen and makes sure every concern is addressed with patience and clarity. Her communication is excellent, and she goes above and beyond to ensure that both clients and their families feel comfortable and confident in the care being provided.”
“Great care and even better communication. The admin team is so helpful and kind, willing to help anyway they can.”
“We have been using Always Best Care in Burlington since October, 2025. Karla Dixon has been a great ally and advocate for us and has always been available to help us have the best experience we can have. She has returned calls on weekends and at night if it means getting an answer or solving a problem. She goes above and beyond and really cares about her clients.”
“From the outside looking in, you don’t always see the care, patience, and dedication that goes into what they do—but it’s there every single day. Truly grateful for a team that goes above and beyond, even when no one’s watching.”
“Karla Dixon helped my mom with in-home care and eventually, finding an assisted living facility. She and her team were easy to work with, plus she did the hard work for us and found a great fit for my mom (just signed the contract to move in). I recommend using Karla’s services for helping you navigate a trying time.”
“Karla has been such a great help to the community.”
“Karla Dixon is very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable! Highly recommend!”
“If you are looking for in home care services for your loved one, Always Best Care is the answer! The dedication received by all staff is unmatched.”
“Reliable, caring, and professional—Always Best Care is awesome!”
“Seeing the care they provide, I’d highly recommend them to any family in need of in home care! Lots of options, flexibility and accommodations made for those that need it!”
“Warren's Drug Store is so thankful for Karla from Always Best Care and our partnership with that organization! Karla is a great resource for senior care placement and recognizing solutions to best help patients. She goes above and beyond with her time and effort to make sure the patients and family needs are met during an important transitional period. We are blessed to have such a supportive relationship!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Beth Schmidt Park in Elon, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Mark at Elon or visit Cedarock Historical Farm, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Elon, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Elon, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Elon, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Elon, N.C. – The East Carolina women's tennis concluded its second weekend of fall competition on Saturday at the Jimmy Powell Invitational at Elon.The Pirates competed against Elon, James Madison, Davidson and VCU in the hidden dual tournament with the tournament's winner determined based on a points system."Even though I was happy with our opening event last week, I feel like we made some improvements this weekend," head coach Kristin Burgess said. "Our doubles took some great strides and...
Elon, N.C. – The East Carolina women's tennis concluded its second weekend of fall competition on Saturday at the Jimmy Powell Invitational at Elon.
The Pirates competed against Elon, James Madison, Davidson and VCU in the hidden dual tournament with the tournament's winner determined based on a points system.
"Even though I was happy with our opening event last week, I feel like we made some improvements this weekend," head coach Kristin Burgess said. "Our doubles took some great strides and our team continued to make every match they played competitive. We were definitely tired at the end of the event so that is something we will continue to work on in the next few weeks."
ECU fared the best against Davidson, posting a 6-1 mark against the Wildcats in the first round of singles. Individually, Reese Calvo, Xenia Jeromin and Zelie Bretin each picked up a pair of singles wins while the duo of Calvo and Kim Auerswald tallied three wins to earn 12 points and be named doubles winners of the tournament.
Singles Results Round One Alexandria Warsing (Elon) def. Skylar Moody (ECU) 6-2, 6-0 Kim Auerswald (ECU) def. Keri Rothenberg (Davidson) 6-2, 6-2 Zelie Bretin (ECU) def. Lillian Dwyer (Davidson) 2-6, 6-3 [12-10] Giorgia de Grisogono (ECU) def. Jazel Mangones (Davidson) 7-5, 6-2 Teagan Reilly (Davidson) def. Lilly Lancaster (ECU) 6-3, 6-2 Veronika Pavlenko (ECU) def. Alexandra Rodehorst (Davidson) 6-4, 6-3 Reese Calvo (ECU) def. Kailey Patel (Davidson) 6-0, 6-0 Xenia Jeromin (ECU) def. Avery Combs (Davidson) 6-1, 7-5
Round Two Xenia Jeromin (ECU) def. Lisa Dierick (Elon) 4-6, 6-3 [13-11] Ariel Avidan (JMU) def. Kim Auerswald (ECU) 6-3, 6-4 Zelie Bretin (ECU) def. Brooklyn Hoffmann (JMU) 1-6, 6-3 [10-7] Sierra Vagi (JMU) def. Giorgia de Grisogono (ECU) 3-6, 6-3 [3-10] Anjali Kirana Junarto (VCU) def. Lilly Lancaster (ECU) 6-4, 6-0 Cylova Zuleyka Hukmasasbiyya (VCU) def. Veronika Pavlenko (ECU) 1-6, 6-2 [7-10] Reese Calvo (ECU) def. Corinna Rietmann (JMU) 6-3, 6-2 Skylar Moody (ECU) def. Niki Tomeljak (JMU) 7-6, 6-4
Round Three Cornelia Kack (Elon) def. Kim Auerswald (ECU) 6-2, 7-6 Simone Bergeron (Elon) def. Zelie Bretin (ECU) 6-1, 6-2 Mariana Reding (Elon) def. Giorgia de Grisogono (ECU) 6-0, 7-5 Lisa Kranec (Elon) def. Lilly Lancaster (ECU) 6-2, 6-1 Iga Piotrowska (Elon) def. Veronika Pavlenko (ECU) 7-6, 6-1 Sonja Rooth (Elon) def. Reese Calvo (ECU) 6-0, 6-2 Alexis Nyborg (Elon) def. Xenia Jeromin (ECU) 6-3, 6-3 Lisa Dierick (Elon) def. Skylar Moody 6-1, 6-2
Doubles Results Round One Kim Auerswald/Reese Calvo (ECU) def. Brooklyn Hoffmann/Sierra Vagi (JMU) 6-2 Cylova Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya/Anjali Kirana Junarto (VCU) def. Xenia Jeromin/Lilly Lancaster (ECU) 6-2 Zelie Bretin/Giorgia de Grisogono (ECU) def. Ariel Avidan/Niki Tomeljak (JMU) 6-2 Skylar Moody/Veronika Pavlenko (ECU) def. Corinna Rietmann/Anna Kantor (JMU) 7-6
Round Two Kim Auerswald/Reese Calvo (ECU) def. Keri Rothenberg/Lillian Dwyer (Davidson) 6-2 Xenia Jeromin/Lilly Lancaster (ECU) def. Alexandra Rodehorst/Kailey Patel (Davidson) 6-3 Jazel Mangones/Avery Combs (Davidson) def. Zelie Bretin/Giorgia de Grisogono (ECU) 7-6 Teagan Reilly/Alexis Nyborg (Davidson) def. Skylar Moody/Veronika Pavlenko (ECU) 6-1
Round Three Kim Auerswald/Reese Calvo (ECU) def. Simone Bergeron (Elon) 6-4 Cornelia Kack/Iga Piotrowska (Elon) def. Xenia Jeromin/Lilly Lancaster (ECU) 6-2 Lisa Kranec/Alexandria Warsing (Elon) def. Zelie Bretin/Giorgia de Grisogono (ECU) 6-3 Lisa Dierick/Sonja Rooth (Elon) def. Skylar Moody/Veronika Pavlenko (ECU) 6-2
ELON, N.C. - The Seawolves bounced back from yesterday's road loss with a 3-1 comeback victory (20-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-16) over Elon on Saturday.Ella Sanders only needed one and a half sets to reach double-digit kills today as she went on to end the match with 17. Meanwhile, Ayanna Pierre Louis and Rayanne Wheat each set new career highs in aces today with five and four, respectively.How It HappenedSET 1 | Despite an early offensive tear from Sanders, the team could not slow down Elon's attack as the team ...
ELON, N.C. - The Seawolves bounced back from yesterday's road loss with a 3-1 comeback victory (20-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-16) over Elon on Saturday.
Ella Sanders only needed one and a half sets to reach double-digit kills today as she went on to end the match with 17. Meanwhile, Ayanna Pierre Louis and Rayanne Wheat each set new career highs in aces today with five and four, respectively.
How It Happened
SET 1 | Despite an early offensive tear from Sanders, the team could not slow down Elon's attack as the team soon found itself in a 15-9 hole. A kill and a block from Avari Amstutz, plus the second ever kill for Zayda Fuertez would help the Seawolves score seven of the next 10 to cut the deficit down to 19-16, before another kill from Sanders and an Pierre Louis ace got them within one at 21-20. This was as close as it would get, though, as the Phoenix scored four straight to ultimately take the set.
SET 2 | Initially trailing 3-0 to open the set, Stony Brook would quickly tie it 8-8 as Sanders racked up two more kills while Amstutz picked up another kill and a block. The Seawolves would then take their first lead of the day after a 4-0 run made it 12-10. After the Phoenix briefly tied it at 13-13, Sanders fired off two kills and an ace to go along with a pair of blocks from Osibodu to grow the lead to five at 21-16 en route to winning the set.
SET 3 | Just like in the second, Stony Brook came right back out of an 0-2 start by firing off five straight points to go in front, before going up 8-3 on the third block of the frame from Osibodu. Stony Brook kept the pressure on throughout the set as Madison Cigna, Wheat, Taryn Su, and Pierre Louis each scored an ace, while the rookie Amstutz notched another three kills to blow the set wide open at 20-9, paving the way for another set win for Stony Brook.
SET 4 | Following a back-and-forth start to the fourth, Stony Brook emerged as the one to pull ahead first on a 4-0 run to make it 9-5. Pierre Louis would later pick up her fourth ace and the team's 10th to extend it to 12-7. A 6-0 run would then grow the lead to 21-13 as Wheat served up two more aces. Later, with match point in sight, Pierre Louis finished off the day with one final ace to give her five.
Notable Stats
Up Next Following their bye week, the Seawolves will be back in action at home on Friday, October 16 as they open a weekend series with Charleston at noon.
For an inside look at the Seawolves volleyball program, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Wolfpack softball showcased its defensive potential in an autumn exhibition game with a blowout victory against Elon.The last time NC State faced off against Elon, the result was nearly the same, with the Pack dominating 14-2 at home. While runs win games, defense is important too and the Pack certainly demonstrated its ability to do both.Among the 11 freshmen on the roster this season, many of them were able to get their bats dirty — specifically standout utility player Kelsea Donaldson, who started on the mound a...
Wolfpack softball showcased its defensive potential in an autumn exhibition game with a blowout victory against Elon.
The last time NC State faced off against Elon, the result was nearly the same, with the Pack dominating 14-2 at home. While runs win games, defense is important too and the Pack certainly demonstrated its ability to do both.
Among the 11 freshmen on the roster this season, many of them were able to get their bats dirty — specifically standout utility player Kelsea Donaldson, who started on the mound against the Phoenix.
“I think if we play this thing right with her, she has a chance to make a serious impact,” head coach Lindsay Leftwich said. “She should play defense in a ton of games and hit in the middle of our lineup if everything goes right. My expectation for her is to walk into this place and be really, really good before it’s all said and done.”
Seasoned sophomore utility player Morgan Talley acted as a reliever when she stepped on the mound. While she maintained solid pitching throughout the innings she threw for, her time in the box wasn’t as impactful as it usually is, landing no runs or major hits during the matchup.
Sophomore infielder Lily Livingston proved why she remains NC State’s defensive anchor as well as a leading hitter. A catch in the bottom of the fifth was a crowd favorite and she scored the first homer of the game in the first inning, which brought home Talley and put the Pack on the board 2-0.
Sophomore infielder Carly Short had no shortage of first-rate plays. She started the bottom of the sixth with a bombshell to deep left field before stealing second, third and home off the back of Elon miscalculations.
Veteran senior pitcher Wynne Gore made an appearance during the game against the Phoenix, stepping in to close out the match. While Elon scored twice, Gore held them to that pair and stayed composed.
“I think our returners are doing a great job of teaching them in big moments and allowing them to fail and then challenging them.” Leftwich said. “It’s really been a cool, group effort between the returners and the newcomers to really grow them to the space where they’re prepared the moment that they walk out there in the spring”
Team chemistry was on full display as it elevated the Pack’s play all-around, but specifically from a defensive angle. The Wolfpack held Elon to only one run and minimal hits and on-base opportunities. The moments of connection on the infield, the trust in the outfielders to make the big catches and the faith in whoever was on the mound made for a decisive victory.
“I think this is some of the best defense we’ve played since I’ve been here. And part of that was recruiting people that can really play defense, like people that were athletic in those places.” Leftwich said. “Again, it’s kind of back to some of our returners as they are running the show out there. They’re not needing us to hold their hand from the dugout a lot, and I think that that’s allowing them to really play together and make some big plays.”
NC State’s fifth preseason game will be in Greenville, facing East Carolina on Oct. 4 at 1 pm.
336-270-4352
