WINCHESTER, Va. -- Showcasing a bright future, the Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team received big contributions from its freshman class during a back-and-forth battle on Saturday afternoon before dropping a closely-contested 11-10 decision at Shenandoah during the season opener at Sprint Field.

During the non-conference showdown, five freshmen earned starting nods for the Captains while flashing advanced skills throughout the game. Leading the way, Becca Creekmore came through with 13 saves, which equaled the most by a Captain in her collegiate debut. Former All-Region standout Emma Walsh also had 13 at Shenandoah during her first appearance in 2016.

Meanwhile, on the offensive end, Kelsey Winters helped balance out the attack with five points, including four assists. Her four helpers equaled the second-highest total by a freshman in school history, trailing only Erin Callahan's five-assist masterpiece against Redlands in 2014.

Winters' four assists also marked the second-highest total by any Captain in a season opener, tailing only Meaghan Harkey's five assist-performance against Adrian in the 2011 lid-lifter.

Along with Winters, Hope Hunter quickly flashed her scoring skills with her first collegiate hat-trick after finding the back of the net three times in the opening stanza. With that performance, she became the first freshman to deposit three goals in a season opener since All-American Sarah Culver kicked off her career with four daggers in 2016.

Among the veteran contributors on Saturday, Cat Leighty picked up right where she left off with a pair of goals against the Hornets. That marked her sixth consecutive multi-point outing dating back to last season. Zoe Dyer also contributed a pair of strikes, including the equalizer with less than five minutes remaining in regulation.

Early on in Saturday's game, Shenandoah slipped out to a 3-1 lead before Christopher Newport came storming back. Winters helped set up three straight goals during a huge first-half rally, which gave the visitors a 4-3 edge. Moments later, Kendall Krause found Hunter, who quickly drove home her third strike of the opening period to stretch the lead to two.

Although the Hornets answered just before the first half closed, the Captains came out flying early in the second period. Krause connected on a free-position attempt less than two minutes into the new stanza before Leighty stung the back of the net with her second tally to push the lead to three at 7-4.

Unfortunately, the Hornets had an answer. During a four-minute stretch in the middle of the second half, the hosts out-scored the Captains, 4-1, to bring the game to an eight-goal deadlock. After Katie Orrison broke the tie momentarily, Shenandoah retaliated again with three of the game's final four strikes, including the clincher in the 58th minute to seal the come-from-behind victory.

Along with the offensive standouts, Christopher Newport also received solid defensive contributions. Continuing the freshman domination, Sydney Watts forced two turnovers and scooped up three ground balls. Krause also had two takeaways and four rollers to go along with a pair of points, while Sam Wettengel registered two draw controls.

The Captains will be back in action on February 22 when the squad welcomes Roanoke to town for a 2 p.m. clash at Jennings Family Stadium.

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