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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Senior midfielder Dani Gunderson gave the Captains (1-2-0) an early lead against 16th-ranked Virginia Wesleyan College (3-0-0), but could not overcome a strong second half flurry by the Marlins attack, falling 5-1 in the home opener. 

Gunderson's tally came in the ninth minute of action as CNU struck first off a set piece. With a free kick just outside the left corner of the 18-yard box, the senior from Newport News planted a gorgeous strike into the upper 90 for the lead. Both teams fended off quality chances the remainder of the half, with the Marlins posting a 9-7 edge in shots in the first 45 minutes. 

Out of the halftime break, though, the Captains were put into a near immediate hole. A failed clearance by the CNU defense ended up in their own goal, tying the score at one just 32 seconds into the second frame. Then, less than five minutes later, Breanne Ingargiola netted the eventual gamewinner off an assist by Jessica Edelman. She received a long cross from the right side and made a touch past her defender at the top of the box before unleashing a hard shot to the top of the goal.

Edelman scored a goal of her own in the 57th minute and then Ingargiola added her second of the match just a minute behind that tally as the Marlins opened up a big lead. The final score of the match came off the foot of Jenna Riegel on a corner kick taken by Lizzy Parr. The near post touch made the score 5-1 for a final.

Wesleyan outshot the Captains 8-1 in the second half, including seven shots on frame. CNU freshman goalkeeper made four saves in the first half and two in the second to finish with six saves and five goals allowed. Gunderson led the attack, taking three shots including two on-goal. 

CNU will now look ahead to the Captains Classic set for this weekend as they play host to the College of Mount St. Joseph on Saturday at 3:00 pm, followed by a 3:00 pm Sunday tilt against Richard Stockton College. 

CNU Highlight of the Night