Box Score

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Senior Joy Piirto started her final season off in fine fashion, scoring the Captains' lone goal in a 1-1 draw against the nationally-ranked Emory University Eagles (0-0-1). Piirto's scoring strike in the 25th minute of action gave CNU (0-0-1) the lead over the 11th-ranked Eagles, but an equalizer just before the half proved to be the only scoring in the game. 

CNU and Emory were facing off for the first time in program history, playing in the first game of the 2014 Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialist Classic hosted by Virginia Wesleyan College.

In the first half, the two teams were evenly matched, with the Eagles holding a slight 6-5 advantage in total shots. The first of which provided one of the biggest defensive stands of the day for the Captains, as Karina Rodriguez nearly found the back of the net, but her attempt was blocked by a defender before crossing the goal line. Sophomore Haley Casanova was up to the task for nearly all of the remaining Emory shots, making eight saves in her season debut. 

In the 25th minute, Piirto scored an unassisted goal to give CNU the lead. The goal was the tenth in her career. 

Christopher Newport would maintain the lead for just over 18 minutes, though, as Cristina Ramirez scored with just 2:06 left in the first half. Kaitlyn Dorka set up the goal by Ramirez, as Emory drew even with the Captains. 

Neither team managed to get anything going in the second half, with sophomore Victoria Perry's header on frame in the 74th minute providing the Captains' best chance. In overtime, Emory took control, but the CNU defense stood tall to preserve the 1-1 tie. Four of Casanova's eight save came in the second overtime period.

CNU will return to action on day two of the tournament Saturday, as they take on DeSales University at 6:00 pm.