Elle Chavis

Articles

SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Duke women's basketball's veteran guards step up in Fournier's absence against Oregon

By Elle Chavis | Yesterday

While the Blue Devils were missing one of their key underclassmen, it was the veterans, namely junior Ashlon Jackson and senior Reigan Richardson, who took Fournier’s absence in stride. Their combined efforts, culminating in 33 of Duke’s points in the 59-53 win, helped lead it to its first back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances since 2012-2013. 

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SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Despite elite defensive performance, turnovers hurt Duke women's basketball in NCAA Tournament first round

By Elle Chavis | 3 days ago

Coming into Friday night’s matchup, the Blue Devils had not played a game since their ACC championship win March 9, presumably a contributing factor to their initial struggle to find their defensive rhythm. But the team has also struggled with getting off to slow starts at several points thus far this season. 

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SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Led by defense, No. 13 Duke softball sweeps No. 21 Liberty in doubleheader at home

By Elle Chavis and Alex Min | 6 days ago

Relying on defense to win the day was key in both games of the midweek doubleheader as No. 13 Duke fought its way to two victories over No. 21 Liberty.

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SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Duke women's basketball opponent preview: Lehigh

By Elle Chavis | 6 days ago

With No. 2-seed Duke women's basketball kicking off its NCAA Tournament run Friday evening, the Blue Zone is here with a preview of the Blue Devils' first opponent. 

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SPORTS | BASKETBALL

REVENGE TOUR: Duke women's basketball knocks off NC State 76-62 for first ACC championship since 2013

By Elle Chavis | March 9, 2025

Almost exactly a year ago, the Blue Devils lost to the Wolfpack in the ACC quarterfinals. A month ago, they again lost to N.C. State behind 36 points from Aziaha James. This time though, not even James’ heroics could stop Duke from winning its first ACC championship under head coach Kara Lawson. Twenty-two points from both junior Ashlon Jackson and sophomore Oluchi Okananwa paved the way for the Blue Devils as they took down the top-seeded Wolfpack 76-62. 

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SPORTS | SOFTBALL

No. 8 Duke softball swept by No. 21 South Carolina at home, defeats Michigan Thursday

By Elle Chavis and Sophie Levenson | March 3, 2025

Duke never managed to catch up to the Gamecocks, losing 4-2. Saturday saw the second of Duke’s games against South Carolina and its second loss of the weekend, after the Gamecocks welcomed themselves to Durham with a hearty 14-7 victory Friday. That loss broke a 10-game win streak for the Blue Devils, who most recently defeated Michigan 2-1 Thursday afternoon. After Sunday’s matchup, the Blue Devils’ losing streak increased to three.

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SPORTS | SOFTBALL

College softball 101: A beginner's guide to rules and terminology for the fast-growing game

By Elle Chavis , Niles Luke , Alex Min , Sophie Levenson , Maya Knauf and Luke Rinaldi | March 2, 2025

As spring sports are underway, The Chronicle is back with our breakdown of every sport, including key rules, terminology, tournament formats and more. Here is our softball edition.

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SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Beats' picks: Will No. 16 Duke women's basketball defeat No. 8 North Carolina in a Cameron Indoor Stadium showdown?

By Lucy Glynn , Myles Powicki , Elle Chavis , Cayden Tu , Sarah Muir , Colton Schwabe , Alex Min , Tyler Walley and Martin Heintzelman | February 27, 2025

The last time Duke and North Carolina played, the Tar Heels earned an overtime victory against the Blue Devils. This time, No. 16 Duke looks for revenge on Senior Night. Find out what our beats think will happen.

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SPORTS | SOFTBALL

Behind Curd's dominant defense, No. 14 Duke softball sweeps Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

By Elle Chavis , Niles Luke , Sophie Levenson and Maya Knauf | February 24, 2025

Cassidy Curd  led Duke’s efforts against No. 15 Nebraska, holding the Cornhuskers scoreless; she closed things out against Minnesota, tying a neat bow on Dani Drogemueller’s earlier efforts. And at the tournament’s crescendo, Curd shut out No. 4 UCLA while former Bruin Thessa Malau’ulu earned Duke its only run.

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SPORTS | FIELD HOCKEY

‘It gives me purpose’: Shelby Bumgarner’s microphone grants everyone a voice

By Elle Chavis | February 16, 2025

Everything in Shelby’s life connects back to her innate concern for people, her desire to tell their stories and give them a platform to share the issues important to them. With her easy smile and infectious laugh, Shelby has the unique ability to make every single student-athlete she interviews feel comfortable sharing his or her story with a rare vulnerability. 

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