Box Score
DANVILLE, Ky. – The #17 Christopher Newport field hockey team kicked off the 2012 campaign with a strong showing as the Captains took down Rhodes, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon.

All-American Caitlin Cahill got off to a great start, scoring her first goal of the season. Meghan Sullivan also lit up the scoreboard to help pace the offense. On the defensive end, Jamie Dowling was pristine in goal, posting four saves on the way to the shutout.

In the first half, CNU proved to be the aggressor as the squad launched four shots and earned a pair of penalty corners in the first nine minutes of action. Remaining on the attack, the Captains earned back-to-back corners during a two-minute span in the middle of the first half, but Rhodes shut down both attempts.

Despite being stifled in the early going, Christopher Newport remained in the Lynx zone. Jordan Snider fired a pair of rockets at Rhodes before Chelsea Hines had her attempt batted away by Jordan Robinson. The Lynx goalkeeper remained tough in the waning moments of the half as well, setting aside seven straight shots in a five-minute window.

After coming away empty-handed during the first half, CNU wasted little time after halftime. Just over three minutes into the second half, Cahill roped a blast that found an opening and gave the Captains a 1-0 lead.

Still on the attack, CNU had a few opportunities stifled by the Lynx defense before breaking through again with 24 minutes remaining in regulation. This time, Sullivan came through for the Captains as the junior standout fired a rocket into the back of the cage to give the squad some breathing room at 2-0.

With time running out, Rhodes attempted to make a comeback, but Dowling kept them in check. The senior goalkeeper batted away consecutive shots, which effectively ended the Lynx best surge of the half. Eventually, Dowling brushed aside one more attempt late in regulation to seal the shutout.

The Captains will return to action tomorrow when the squad takes on Centre College at 2 p.m.

--CNU--