Box Score

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Despite playing even with No. 7 Tufts throughout the game, the ninth-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team could not crack the Jumbo defense as the visitors posted their fifth consecutive shutout on the way to a 3-0 victory over CNU on a sun-splashed Saturday afternoon at Captains Turf Field.

Facing a team that had yet to allow a goal all season, Christopher Newport put the pressure on Tufts but could not quite capitalize. The two teams both posted 14 shots during the game, but the Jumbos collected two goals from Annie Artz and a late strike from Mary Travers to seal the victory.

With the setback, Christopher Newport falls to 5-2 on the season, although both of its losses have now come against programs ranked in the top-20. The victory bumps Tufts to 5-0 on the year.

In the early going, the two teams were evenly matched and traded runs during the opening period. The Captains got off to a fast start and peppered the Jumbos with a pair of on-target shots in the first three minutes, including a dart by Carol Thompson. Unfortunately, Bri Keenan stopped both attempts before her offense responded.

Setting a blistering pace, Tufts snapped off four shots in less than two minutes, including three on-target. Standing up against the assault, Bailey Lien stifled the attack and made three saves, highlighted by back-to-back stops on a pair of bullets. Mackenzie Neylon also cleared a deep run by the Jumbos after making a solid stick stop in front of the cage during the early going.

Continuing the seesaw affair, the Captains landed a counterpunch. Allie Hackbarth punched a pair of shots on goal, while Samantha Snider unloaded one. Once again, Tufts held up against the surge and kept the game scoreless as Keenan made three more stops between the pipes.

Entering the latter part of the first half, Tufts finally broke through. After the visitors moved the ball up along the far side of the field, Artz took control near the post. Following an initial attempt, she regained possession of the roller and flicked a shot that found just enough daylight to put Tufts ahead, 1-0.

After the goal, Neylon made another crucial stop on the defensive end to stymie another run and keep the deficit at one. On the play, a Jumbo slipped past the defense and scurried up the middle of the field. Looking to prevent a breakaway, Neylon stepped up and intercepted a clean pass that would have sprung a one-on-none situation.

Unfortunately, Tufts continued to push and eventually struck again. With just over nine minutes left in the first half, the visitors earned a corner. Although CNU momentarily held up against the initial attempt, the Jumbos found an opening after a scrum in front of the cage. Following a short feed from Brittany Norfleet, Artz punched home her second score to snatch a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

After the break, the Captains pieced together a sustained run as the team looked to break through on the scoreboard. Belle Tunstall punched an early shot-on-goal before Snider had an excellent look. Alexa Hendrickson had some space near midfield and sailed a long pass into the circle. Making a heads-up play, Snider deflected the roller in front of the cage and sent it spinning towards the top of the cage. However, Keenan was able to get enough of her stopper on the ball to stymie the attempt.

Eight minutes later, Christopher Newport had its best scoring opportunity of the game. Following an illegal play just in front of the cage, the Captains earned a penalty stroke. With an open look, Jacqueline Kenny took the shot and unloaded a bullet, but Keenan made another outstanding save with her pads to keep CNU scoreless.

With the Captains showing renewed life, Tufts had an answer in the middle of the period. After the visitors called a timeout, the Jumbos stormed into the CNU zone. Although the hosts were in good position, Travers spun to the far side of the field and pumped a one-timer to the back of the cage to grab a 3-0 lead with 14 minutes remaining in regulation.

Staring at a three-goal deficit, Christopher Newport simply could not solve the Tufts defense. The Jumbos kept control of the ball and tried to run out the clock. In a tough spot, the Captains shut down several Jumbo runs but struggled to counter. Madison Doss made an excellent play to seal off the far post and stop one surge before Sarah Miller clamped down on another play along the near side with five minutes left.

Later, Savanah Cummings registered three saves, including two on back-to-back darts with time running out. Unfortunately, the CNU attack simply could not find a rhythm as Tufts closed out the 3-0 victory.

In addition to being even in total shots, the two teams both roped 10 on-goal. Keenan eventually finished with nine stops for Tufts, while Dakota Sikes-Keilp had a defensive save for the Jumbos in the second half. For CNU, Lien and Cummings combined for seven saves.

Christopher Newport will be back in action on Friday, September 26 for a battle at Ferrum. Game time is slated for 1 p.m.

---CNU---