Box Score

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- After not playing a game for nearly two weeks, the eighth-ranked Christopher Newport Captains needed extra time, but would collect a 13th straight win in double overtime, 2-1, over Houghton College. Senior Caitlin Cahill, who earlier in the day found out she was selected to participate in the NFHCA Senior Game, scored both goals for the Captains. 

CNU improves to 15-1 this season while the Highlanders drop to 9-7 overall. CNU has just one game remaining on the regular season schedule, this Sunday against Wilson College. 

It was the visiting team that would jump out to a first-half lead, forcing the Captains to play from behind for just the second time in the last nine games. Rachel Stefanski set up the scoring strike by Hannah Zgrablich in the 13th minute of action. It was the only shot of the first half by the Highlanders, as CNU dominated possession.

That would be the theme for the duration of the game, as the Captains maintained possession in the attacking third for most of the game. CNU outshot Houghton, 16-2, in regulation, including 12 shots on-frame. It wasn't until the 51st minute, though, that the Captains would finally break through. 

Off of a penalty corner, the Houghton defense failed to clear a CNU attempt and the ball reached Cahill at the top of the circle. After two dribbles to her right, she unleashed a blast past the Houghton goalie to even the score, 1-1. 

Neither team would be able to convert again before time expired in the second half, setting up the sudden victory overtime periods. Just under a minute into the first overtime, Cahill nearly beat the keeper for the gamewinner, but Hillery Duman was up to the task, making the last of her 11 saves in the game. 

Then, in the second overtime, the Captains took advantage of the seven-on-seven format. After a misplay by a Houghton player near midfield, Belle Tunstall took off with the ball down the right side, with Cahill streaking up the middle. The sophomore attacker reached the circle with just one defender and the goaltender to beat, slipped a touch pass central between the two and Cahill knocked home the shot for the win. It was Cahill's fourth game-winning strike of the season. 

The Captains will return to action at 1:00 pm Sunday, as they host Wilson College in the regular season finale. The NCAA Tournament selections will be announced following CNU's contest.