NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Putting its defense on display, the Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team kept a tight lid on Washington (Md.) for most of Saturday's non-conference battle, but the Shorewomen were able to break a deadlock midway through the second half before pulling away for an 11-7 victory during a defensive slugfest on a windy afternoon at Jennings Family Stadium.

During the contest, the Captains forced 11 turnovers, including four during an epic showcase early in the second half, which helped the squad flip a two-goal deficit into a 7-7 tie. Joely Stevens led the back line with a career-high three takeaways, while Gracie Sanders and Sam Wettengel chipped in with two apiece. Wettengel also filled her busy afternoon with four ground balls, four draw controls, and a pair of goals.

In addition to the field players, Becca Creekmore also contributed 14 saves and secured three ground balls. Coupled with her performance in the opener against Shenandoah, Creekmore now has a pair of 14-save efforts in just three career appearances. That marks the most by a freshman goalie since Emma Walsh had three such games over the course of 16 appearances during her decorated debut in 2016.

On the offensive end, Kelsey Winters came through with four points, including three assists, while Zoe Dyer had two strikes and a helper. Overall, six different Captains collected at least one point against the Shorewomen.

With the setback, Christopher Newport falls to 2-2 on the season. The victory bumps Washington (Md.) to 1-1.

After the Captains entered halftime staring at a 7-5 deficit, the squad came out of the break re-energized. First, on the offensive end, Winters drew the eyes of the defense while moving up along the left side of the crease. With some space opening up in the center, Wettengel burst through, collected a pass, and slammed home a dagger to pull the hosts back within one at 7-6.

Following Wettengel's tally, the defense held up against Washington (Md.)'s advances. Showcasing her versatility, Wettengel snatched a lengthy pass attempt by the Shorewomen to thwart their initial response before Creekmore picked off a floater over the crease to slam the door on the next threat. Continuing to blanket the field, Kendall Krause deflected a pass at the top of the zone, which Jackie Baker quickly gobbled up to give the ball back to the attack.

Although the visitors continued to hold Christopher Newport's offense at bay, the Captains never relented on the back end. During a two-minute window, the Shorewomen managed to put a pair of shots on target, but Creekmore brushed aside both, including a gorgeous grab on a free-position attempt.

Finally capitalizing on the defensive domination, the Captains pulled even with 17 minutes remaining in regulation. On the play, Dyer was blanketed by a slew of defenders on the far side of the field. Keeping calm in a dangerous position, the sophomore found a little wiggle room before slipping the ball to Krause, who cut inside and deposited on the doorstep to knot the score at seven.

Unfortunately, the Shorewomen regrouped. After calling a timeout, the visitors quickly regained the lead with 13 minutes remaining. Later, despite more solid work by the defense, the Captains could not quite regain their rhythm. Creekmore made three late saves, and Hannah Curry punctuated another WC rally with a takeaway, but Washington (Md.) continued to inch ahead before stealing the 11-7 triumph.

Overall, the visitors held a 31-14 advantage in shots and a 22-14 edge in ground balls. The Shorewomen also controlled 11 of the game's 20 draws.

Early in the match-up, the two squads traded blows. Kicking things off for the Captains, Winters uncorked a dart for the squad's first goal before lacing a perfectly-placed pass over the crease to Dyer, who caught and fired on the run to snatch a 2-1 lead. Later, after a Washington (Md.) rally, Cat Leighty unleashed a sidewinder off a pass from Julia Iapicca before Wettengel used a slick stutter-step to shake a defender on the way to her first tally of the game.

Sadly, Christopher Newport's 4-3 lead quickly evaporated as the visitors strung together three straight goals during a six-minute surge to secure a 6-4 edge. Although Dyer capitalized on an extra-man situation following another assist by Winters, the Shorewomen scored the final goal of the half to grab a 7-5 lead entering the break.

Although a timely attack and a suffocating defensive effort helped Christopher Newport pull even again in the second stanza, Washington (Md.) proved to be too much as the squad used a late push to close out the win.

In addition to Wettengel's well-rounded performance, Krause also added a takeaway, two draws, three ground balls, and a goal.

The Captains will return to action on Wednesday when the squad travels to No. 8 Washington & Lee for a 3 p.m. contest.

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