LEXINGTON, Va. -- Becca Creekmore pieced together a standout performance between the pipes, but the Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team could not quite hang with sixth-ranked Washington & Lee as the Generals secured a 16-5 victory on Wednesday afternoon at Alston Parker Watt Field.
 
During the contest, Creekmore made 10 saves, posted two takeaways, and secured seven ground balls. Her seven rollers equaled the most by a Captain since Gayle Robinson collected nine at Lynchburg on March 26, 2009. That total also marked the second-most by a freshman in school history, falling just one shy of matching Sally Allstadt's record of eight set against Averett on March 29, 2003.
 
Along with Creekmore's efforts on the defensive end, Kelsey Winters continued to put on a show on the offensive side. The first-year star contributed three points, including a pair of goals.
 
With the setback, Christopher Newport falls to 2-3 on the season. The victory bumps the nationally-ranked Generals to 4-1.
 
Despite three early saves by Creekmore, including a stop on an eight-meter attempt, Washington & Lee bolted out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first 10 minutes. Trying to steal back some momentum, Sam Wettengel and Joely Stevens both forced turnovers to stymie the Generals' next two offensive stands before Winters deposited the squad's first strike midway through the opening period.
 
Unfortunately, the hosts quickly retaliated. Over the next 10 minutes of game action, the Generals stretched their two-goal lead into a 10-1 advantage entering halftime.
 
Needing to find their rhythm, the Captains played even with the Generals in the early part of the second half. Trading punches, Winters landed her second strike of the game and helped set up a dart by Zoe Dyer as Christopher Newport kept the deficit at nine, 12-3.
 
Meanwhile, on the defensive end, Creekmore continued to shine. The first-year star snuffed out a pair of free-position attempts and forced two miscues during a solid showcase in the middle of the second half. Although the Generals were able to stretch their lead back up to double-digits late in the period, Christopher Newport continued to battle.
 
In the final eight minutes of regulation, Cat Leighty launched her ninth goal of the season, while Jackie Baker connected on her second after converting an eight-meter shot. Unfortunately, Washington & Lee responded with a pair of last-minute scores to lock up the 16-5 triumph.
 
Overall, W&L out-shot Christopher Newport, 34-7, and held a 16-6 edge in draws. Gracie Sanders contributed three draw controls for the Captains, while Wettengel had two.
 
The Generals also held a slim 20-15 edge in ground balls despite Creekmore's tremendous work in the crease. Along with Creekmore's seven rollers, Julia Iapicca snatched three, while Baker contributed a pair. Kendall Krause, Hope Hunter, and Hannah Curry all picked up one each.
 
Christopher Newport will return to action on Saturday at 1 p.m. when the Captains face another nationally-ranked test at No. 24 Messiah.
 
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