Box Score
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Senior Caitlin Cahill led a huge second-half surge by the 13th-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team as the Captains overcame an early deficit to defeat Stevens Institute, 3-2, at Minnie Howard Field on a crisp Sunday afternoon.

After CNU fell behind at halftime, Cahill evened the score early in the second half before tacking on a much-needed insurance goal with six minutes remaining in regulation to help the Captains capture their fourth straight victory. Belle Tunstall also scored for Christopher Newport (6-1), while Breanne Lowe added an assist.

Early in the contest, the Captains put the pressure on the Duck defense. CNU unloaded the first five shots of the game and earned three quick penalty corners, but Stevens stood tall against the onslaught. Kaitlin McClymont made two strong saves to keep the game scoreless before her offense broke loose.

At the 19:24 mark, Marguerite Chavez made a nice run and found a window inside the CNU zone. With some space, she tossed a shot just outside of Jamie Dowling's range to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead.

Despite a dominant effort in the early going, the Captains found themselves staring at a one-goal deficit. Looking to keep the pressure on Stevens, CNU went back on the attack. Christopher Newport bombarded McClymont with a slew of shots, but the Duck goalie continued to clamp down. She made three straight saves in the middle of the first half before coming through with a crucial stop in the waning moments of the period.

With two minutes left before halftime, the Captain midfield stamped out a Duck run and immediately turned the tables with a beautiful 3-on-2 break. Cahill eventually controlled the ball, found some room, and unloaded a blast just inside the circle looking to even the score. Refusing to bend, McClymont came out and swatted away the rocket to sustain her one-goal advantage.

Following CNU's run at the end of the first half, the squad continued to press in the second. Lowe had a shot blocked and took a pair of penalty corners during the first five minutes of the period. Despite getting turned away, the senior standout remained unfazed and came through with a key play to light up the scoreboard.

Six minutes into the second half, Lowe fed a beautiful cross through the Duck zone. After settling into an opening, Cahill corralled the pass and launched a rocket past McClymont to even the score at one.

Although Stevens attempted to respond, Dowling kicked aside a Duck shot before the CNU offense regrouped. After taking control of the ball near midfield, Sarah Wister made a gorgeous pass to help set up a break with 15 minutes remaining in regulation.

Tunstall took the outlet and stormed into the Stevens zone. With a clear path to the cage, the sophomore sensation blistered a laser into an opening, which broke the deadlock and gave the Captains their first lead of the day at 2-1.

Looking for a little wiggle room, CNU went right back to work. Although McClymont stymied the Captains' first attempt, Cahill came through again. With just over six minutes remaining in regulation, the reigning All-American continued her outstanding senior season with another one-timer to the back of the cage.

With some breathing room and a two-goal advantage, the Captains had to withstand a late run by Stevens. Just two minutes after Cahill scored, the Ducks responded. Off a corner, Megan Traub snuck a shot past Dowling to pull the squad back within one at 3-2.

Later, Dowling was tested again with two minutes left in regulation, but the senior stalwart locked down the Duck attack and iced the victory with another big save.

During the game, the Captains out-shot the Ducks, 21-6, and held a 13-5 advantage in corners. McClymont finished the day with eight saves for Stevens, while Dowling had a pair for CNU.

Christopher Newport will return to action on Wednesday when the squad heads down the road for a battle with Virginia Wesleyan at 7:15 p.m.

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