Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The ninth-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team made an emphatic statement in its season debut as the Captains pieced together a marvelous performance to upend Hendrix, 7-1, during a neutral site bout on Saturday afternoon at Mason Field.

Putting its potent attack on full display, CNU was led by Taylor Young, who scored twice during the onslaught. Belle Tunstall, who led the team in points last season, kicked off her junior campaign in fine fashion with an early goal as well. Among the other offensive stars, Lauren Cheatham, who missed last season with a knee injury, made a successful return to the field with a goal in the first half.

Along with the team's incredible offensive showing, Christopher Newport's defense limited Hendrix to just five shots and a pair of penalty corners during the contest. Julie Collins made a save during her 42 minutes in the cage, while freshman Bailey Lien closed out the game with a spotless performance over the final 28 minutes.

Making a statement early on, the Captains tested Hendrix with four quick shots before Tunstall blistered a dart through the Warrior defense to give CNU a lead just over two minutes into regulation. Looking for a little breathing room, Allie Hackbarth tacked on a goal less than three minutes later with a laser to the lower left corner of the cage.

Keeping the pressure on Hendrix, Christopher Newport posted the game's next nine shots, including three by Tunstall. Although the Warriors were able to withstand the assault for a moment, Young notched her first goal of the game at the 14-minute mark after depositing a pass from Jordan Snider.

Trailing by three, Hendrix converted its first shot of the contest to pull back within two at 22:24, but CNU never faltered. Going right back on the attack, the Captains continued to poke and prod at the Warrior defense. Although HC did a commendable job holding up against the attack, Christopher Newport eventually broke through with an impressive surge near the end of the first half.

Just a few minutes before halftime, Alexa Hendrickson gave CNU a three-goal lead after blasting home a bullet following a breakaway near the top of the arc. Cheatham also got into the act with a late goal to give the squad a commanding 5-1 edge entering the second half.

Following the break, Christopher Newport continued to control the tempo as Hackbarth and Tunstall combined for nine shots in the early part of the second half. Once again, Hendrix was able to stand up against the surge before finally succumbing to another CNU rocket. Seven minutes into the second half, Marlene Lichty unloaded a blast. Although the Warriors were able to stymie the first attempt, Lichty continued to battle and punched home the rebound to give CNU a 6-1 lead.

With little left to prove, the Captains eventually eased into the seven-goal victory with one final tally by Young at the 66-minute mark to cap off a sensational season debut.

Overall, CNU held a 70-5 edge in shots and a 15-2 lead in penalty corners.

Christopher Newport will return to action tomorrow when the squad remains in Memphis for a 1:30 p.m. showdown with Rhodes.

---CNU---