Box Score

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Belle Tunstall recorded her first career hat-trick and Allie Hackbarth posted a pair of assists to help lift the fifth-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team to its 17th straight victory as CNU toppled York, 7-2, in a Capital Athletic Conference battle on a crisp Saturday afternoon at Captains Turf Field.

In addition to their junior standouts, the Captains also received big efforts from the veterans on Senior Day. Marlene Lichty, Meghan Sullivan, and Shelby Judkins all found the back of the cage, while Sarah Smith and Marcy Hoath chipped in with assists. Julie Collins also made a save during 18-minutes of action to help seal the victory.

With the win, Christopher Newport improves to 17-0, including 5-0 in the CAC. York falls to 4-11 overall and 1-4 in league action. The victory also extends CNU's program-record winning streak, which also stands as the longest active roll at any level in the NCAA.

After an impressive 13-0 victory against Wilson on Wednesday evening, the Captains kept their surge going from the outset on Saturday. Lauren Cheatham kicked things off with an incredible run into the York zone as the sophomore speedster spun around a pair of defenders. Although the Spartans eventually cut that streak off, Hoath took control of the roller before Tunstall slammed home the tip to give the hosts an early lead.

Despite a quick response by York that knotted the score at one, Christopher Newport broke loose with a devastating assault that gave the Captains all the momentum. Setting the tempo, Tunstall scurried free following a nice touch from Cheatham, but the Spartan goalie met her at the top of the circle to close down that run. One minute later, Lisa Murphy smacked a solid centering feed through the circle, but the roller just missed a pair of sticks.

After coming away empty-handed on a pair of chances, Lichty broke the deadlock with one of the hardest hit balls of the season. Settling in at the top of the circle, she wound up and blistered a screamer that darted straight through the York defense to give CNU a 2-1 edge.

Back in the lead, Tunstall added to the advantage with another great play less than one minute later. The junior pumped a shot from the near side that was deflected out to Smith. With quick reflexes, Smith took control and laced a shot that Tunstall tipped just enough to send past York's Abby Baker for a 3-1 lead.

Looking to extend their advantage, the Captains continued their onslaught with a spectacular surge. Over the final 15 minutes of the period, Christopher Newport uncorked 10 shots, including nine on-target. Despite that effort, York looked composed on defense and held up as Baker made seven saves and Alyssa Martin and Jillian Brezgel notched defensive stops to keep the YC deficit at two entering halftime.

Following the break, CNU looked refreshed and bombarded the York zone with rockets from nearly every angle. Although the Captains were momentarily silenced, they never slowed down. Breaking the brief drought, Hackbarth blasted a one-timer from the top of the circle and Tunstall cleaned up with another deflection that sent the bullet spinning into open spaces to complete her hat-trick at 42:32.

Showing off pristine ball movement while frustrating the Spartan defense, Sullivan added the team's fifth goal following a perfect feed from Alexa Hendrickson. Three minutes later, Judkins continued the tip drill after deflecting a rip by Cheatham to give Christopher Newport a huge 6-1 lead with 23 minutes remaining in regulation.

Although York was able to whittle its deficit back down to four following Kailey Brewer's second score of the contest, CNU added one final punctuation mark. With less than seven minutes remaining, Hackbarth served as the facilitator once again. The junior pushed the ball towards the cage before Taylor Williams collected it and ripped her first career goal to cap off the 7-2 victory.

During the contest, CNU held a 51-5 edge in shots and a 13-5 lead in penalty corners. Collins and Bailey Lien each collected a save for the Captains, while Baker came through with 25 for the Spartans.

Christopher Newport will wrap up the regular season on Wednesday when the Captains head to Fredericksburg for a 4 p.m. showdown with No. 12 Mary Washington.

---CNU---