YORK, Pa. -- Matt Hayden broke the program's career saves record and headlined a strong performance by the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse team, but the Captains could not overcome an early deficit and dropped a hard-fought 12-7 decision to No. 3 York (Pa.) on Saturday afternoon at Kinsley Field.
 
During the game, Hayden matched his career-high with 17 saves. That effort bumped his career total to 611 stops, topping the previous standard of 596 set by former standout and current broadcaster Andy McGregor from 2010-13. That total also stands as the eighth-highest among active goalies at any level of the NCAA.
 
Meanwhile, Will Geise added three goals, including his 50th strike of the season. Ryan Mills also struck three times for the Captains, while Randy Foster ripped a goal of his own.
 
With the setback, Christopher Newport falls to 10-5 on the season, including 5-3 in league action. The Captains will enter the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament as the No. 3 seed, earning a first-round home game against Southern Virginia on Wednesday. Game time is slated for 4 p.m.
 
The victory moves York (Pa.) to 15-2 overall and 7-2 in CAC play. The Spartans locked up the No. 2 seed in the postseason and will host the winner of the CNU - SVU bout on April 22.
 
Early in the contest, the Spartans were the aggressor and stormed out to a fast 5-0 lead in the first quarter. Despite the deficit, the Captains never slowed down. With a fresh '15' on the clock in the second quarter, Tony Cruz won the opening faceoff before Conor James jumped on the ground ball to give the attack an opportunity.
 
Although the Spartans were able to handle CNU's initial wave, the hosts were hit with a penalty, and the Captains capitalized. With a man advantage, Jacob Hale connected with Geise, who lit up the scoreboard with the squad's first strike to pull within four at 5-1.
 
Despite back-to-back goals by York, Christopher Newport responded at the end of the half. First, on the defensive side, Hayden swallowed two straight shots by the hosts before Will Cogan jumped on a roller and kicked off a clear, which gave the offense another chance. This time, Mills took advantage with his first tally to inch back within five entering halftime.
 
Unfortunately, York bolted out of the break and pounced on every opportunity in the third quarter, stretching the squad's lead to 11-2 entering the final frame.
 
Facing a nine-goal deficit, CNU never stopped and pieced together a solid run in the fourth quarter. First, Hayden walled off the defensive end with two early saves, while Tristan Peschka forced a turnover to thwart another rally. Later, following a YCP penalty, Foster capitalized with a man-up missile before Mills added his second stinger to pull back within seven with nine minutes remaining in regulation.
 
Following York's final goal, Christopher Newport fired back with a strong push at the end of the game. While Hayden was adding four more saves on the defensive end, Geise chipped in with back-to-back tallies, including his 50th off a feed from Matthew Crist. Later, Mills capped off his hat-trick with one last bullet in the final minute to close out the scoring.
 
Overall, York held a 46-32 advantage in shots and a 34-27 lead in ground balls. Cruz led the way with five rollers, while James picked up four. Shane McKenna and Thomas Courtney both added a pair of ground balls to go along with a caused turnover as well. Meanwhile, York won 13 of the 22 faceoffs and was a perfect 17-for-17 on clear attempts.
 
---CNU---