NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Nearly 21 months since the program last took part in an NCAA competition, the 14th-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team was back in business on Wednesday as the Captains kicked off the 2021 campaign with an electric effort during an 8-0 victory over Bridgewater on a sweltering evening at Jennings Family Stadium.

With the threat of thunderstorms looming, Christopher Newport managed to find a window of decent weather to fit in the squad's first official game since November 9, 2019. Unfazed by the lengthy layoff, the Captains unloaded on the competition. Mauri Ware and Abby Asuncion both drove home a pair of first-half strikes, while Katie Abendschoen pieced together an incredible debut. The freshman delivered five total points after notching two goals and an assist.

With her offensive outburst, Abendschoen joined legendary standout Anne Gehring as the only Captains in school history with at least five points in their collegiate debut. Gehring also posted two goals and an assist in her first appearance against Catawba on September 3, 2005.

Overall, Christopher Newport flashed a well-balanced attack as 10 different players recorded at least one point during the game. In the end, the squad's eight goals marked the highest total in a season opener since the 2009 team dropped nine on Sweet Briar exactly 12 years ago.

With the victory, the Captains also improved to 17-4 all-time in season openers.

Controlling the tempo throughout the contest, Christopher Newport kicked off the scoring in the seventh minute. Showcasing her defensive skills, Logan Beal put a lid on a run up the right sideline after plucking possession away from an Eagle. Moments later, following a battle inside the circle, she sliced a centering feed through traffic towards Ware. After settling the pass, the senior buried a blast into the right corner of the cage for a quick 1-0 lead.

Just three minutes later, Ware came back for more. Vivian Pope laced a 20-yard rope through the defense to Abendschoen, who quickly took control inside the circle. In a flash, the freshman tapped a roller over to Ware, who whistled a bullet through the wickets of the Bridgewater goalie for her second straight goal.

Continuing to snuff out BC's clear attempts in the second quarter, Lainey Pratzner swiped the ball from an Eagle along the left sideline. After showcasing some fancy stick skills with a nice lift to beat a defender, she cracked a dart towards the left post. Settling in on the interior, Asuncion shielded the goalie and was able to deflect the ball around the keeper for her first strike.

Exactly 34 seconds later, Asuncion struck again. This time, Marcella Sabbagh found space near the 25-yard-line before pounding a screamer into the circle. Grabbing the bouncer, Asuncion cut to her right, split two defenders, and painted the back of the cage for her second goal of the contest.

The 34-second span between Asuncion's goals marked the second-shortest in program history. Her rapid-fire assault was only topped by Lindsay Hendricks' 21-second onslaught against Gwynedd-Mercy during the first round of the NCAA Tournament on November 7, 2012. 

Fostering a four-goal lead less than 20 minutes into regulation, the Captains eventually came back with two more daggers just before halftime. On the first tally, Nyla Lewis slipped a feed inside to Abendschoen. With a defender in her face, the first-year star reversed course and went to her backhand before rifling her first career goal.

Less than two minutes later, Ware helped cap off the first half. Putting her athleticism on display, she burst up the field, dribbled around three defenders, and drew the goalie out of the cage. With two goals already in the game, she passed up a shot and sent a feed to Emma Logue, who popped an attempt across the line for a 6-0 lead entering halftime.

Following the break, Christopher Newport flashed a little defense before adding the squad's seventh goal of the game. After Bridgewater pounced on a pass following a corner attempt, the Eagles had some momentum on a run up the left side of the field. Staying deep, Izzy Diz disrupted the play and quickly bottled up the surge. Seconds later, Brooke Billhimer took control near midfield and pushed forward.

Back on the attack, the Captains earned another corner. This time, the hosts capitalized. Off the insertion, Billhimer smacked the ball to Pope. With a little space, she rocketed a shot towards the right post. Stationed in a perfect position between the goalie and a defender, Maddison Steele was able to usher the ball past the Eagles for her first collegiate goal.

With little left to prove, Christopher Newport eased into the victory with one final goal in the fourth quarter. Fittingly, Abendschoen was there to polish off her beautiful evening. In the final minutes, Ainsley Miller launched the ball into the circle. Facing a 2-on-1 battle with a defender and the goalie, Abendschoen won the skirmish. Doing work on the doorstep, she pounded away before slipping the ball into the back of the cage for the game's final strike.

Overall, Christopher Newport out-shot Bridgewater, 32-1. The squad also held a 10-0 advantage in corners. On the defensive side, Gabi Gray had a quiet night in the cage while picking up her first collegiate win with 45 minutes of spotless action. Later, Paige Bowling finished off the shutout with a perfect fourth quarter.

Christopher Newport will be back in action on Saturday when the Captains kick off the Connie Harnum Classic with an 11 a.m. test against Susquehanna in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

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