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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- With a 1-0 win over Mary Washington on Senior Night at Captains Field, the 21st-ranked Christopher Newport women's soccer team clinched a spot in the 2016 Capital Athletic Conference Tournament, while also running their win streak to a program-best eight straight victories.  Sophomore Gabby Gillis hammered home the lone goal of the contest, as CNU improves to 12-1-0 overall, 6-0-0 in conference play. 

The loss, paired with a St. Mary's (Md.) victory on Saturday, dropped Mary Washington into a tie for third place in the league standings with an 8-5-1 overall record, 4-2-0 in conference play. CNU celebrated a quartet of seniors in a pre-game ceremony, and with the win, that group now knows they will play in the CAC Tournament starting on October 29.  

While a highlight-reel goal provided the offense, it was yet another stifling defensive performance that headlined the Captains effort on Saturday night. Playing in front of a season-best 672 fans on a crisp fall night, the Captains defense picked up their eighth shutout of the season while holding the Eagles to just seven total shots. It was the 11th time this season an opposing offense has not reached double-digits in shot attempts, and the ninth time the shots on-goal numbered fewer than five. On Saturday, the Eagles pressed CNU goalkeeper Carly Maglio only four times, and she stoned all four attempts. 

The back line played the full 90 minutes in front of Maglio, as juniors Kira Warner, Danielle Pratt, and rookies Shaye Doherty, and Keiley McCarthy continue to frustrate the opposing attack. The defense has allowed just five goals in 13 games, boasting a 0.38 goals-against average in nearly 1200 minutes of play. 

On the offensive end, CNU had a number of opportunities against the conference rival on Saturday night, and would cash in on the only goal in the 43rd minute of play. Senior Kate Hurlock set up the scoring strike by Gillis, lobbing a ball to the top of the box for the Captains' midfielder. Gillis chested the ball down toward the center of the box, took one step and then torched the top shelf of the netting for her second goal of the season. 

Earlier in the first half, both rookie Carson Pokorny and junior Kimmie Kerstiens had solid attempts at goals off headers, but Pokorny's was saved by the Mary Washington keeper and Kerstiens saw her attempt go just wide. 

The final shot tally favored the Captains, 22-7, including a 10-4 advantage in shots on-goal. Haley Randall made eight saves the Eagles, while Maglio finished with four stops for CNU.  

With the win, CNU has now captured eight straight victories, matching the program's finest win streak, which has occurred five times prior with the most recent being in 2015.

The Captains will return to action on Wednesday, October 19 as they host Salisbury University (4-6-3, 3-3-0) at 7:00 pm in the final home conference game of the regular season. 

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