NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 22nd-ranked Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team clawed back with a late rally in the fourth quarter, but the comeback bid fell short as the Captains dropped a hard-fought 15-12 decision to Lebanon Valley on a frigid Saturday afternoon at Jennings Family Stadium.

Against the Dutchmen, Kendall Krause came through with four goals, while Eleanor Collins added a hat-trick. Showcasing their skills on both ends of the field, the two Captains also contributed three takeaways apiece during the contest.

While Krause and Collins were starring all over the turf, Kelsey Winters was adding another chapter to her illustrious career. The junior collected three points, including a pair of assists. With that performance, she became just the fourth player in program history to eclipse 100 career helpers. She now has 101 in her career, which places her 15th among all active players at any level of the NCAA.

Facing a potent Lebanon Valley attack, Lizzie Burgoyne came through with 10 saves over the final three quarters to help keep the Captains within striking distance. Additionally, Madi Rozgonyi added four takeaways, while Riley Rafterry-Lee cleaned up the field with five ground balls.

With the setback, Christopher Newport falls to 3-2 on the season. The victory bumps Lebanon Valley to 2-4.

In the early going, the visitors slipped out to a quick lead before Winters set up back-to-back strikes by Krause and Collins to knot the score at two midway through the opening period. Although the Dutchmen fired back to regain an advantage, Dyer put together a terrific run to give the hosts their first lead of the game.

First, the senior circled around the LVC defense before unleashing a rip from the right side, which evened the game at three. Moments later, Winters ran a pick that disrupted two defenders, which allowed Krause to slip free on the interior. With a tight window, Dyer threaded the needle and connected with Krause, who landed her second tally of the game.

Unfortunately, Christopher Newport's 4-3 lead was short-lived. Lebanon Valley closed out the first quarter with three straight goals to snatch a 6-4 edge after 15 minutes of work.

In the second stanza, the Captains mounted a response. On the offensive side, Winters snapped off a screamer on an eight-meter attempt to breathe new life into the attack. Meanwhile, on the other side, Rozgonyi snatched a bouncing ball to clamp down on the Dutchmen's first rally of the period before Krause swatted a pass on the interior that Rafterry-Lee quickly scooped up.

Still staring at a two-goal deficit after the visitors slipped free for their first goal of the period, Christopher Newport fought back again. Dyer showed off quick hands and recovered her own rebound off an initial shot before dunking on the doorstep in the middle of a cluttered zone. Less than a minute later, after the Dutchmen were hit with a card, Dyer found Krause on the interior for the equalizer.

Back on even ground at 7-7, Burgoyne kept the game deadlocked with a tremendous save on a low laser following a free-position attempt. Although Lebanon Valley eventually broke through with back-to-back goals in the waning moments of the second period, Collins responded with a turnaround dagger off a feed from Krause to pull the Captains back within one entering halftime.

After the break, Christopher Newport's defensive unit did everything it could to keep the Dutchmen in check. Early on, Jackson tied up an attacker on the left side of the zone and forced a quick turnover. Later, Joely Stevens flashed her wheels and chased down a roller on a failed clear, while Krause and Collins added takeaways of their own.

Unfortunately, Lebanon Valley continued to pressure the Captains. Eventually, the visitors strung together three straight tallies before Collins came back with her second goal after picking off a clear attempt and lacing a spinner into a wide-open cage. Later, despite two stellar saves by Burgoyne, LVC managed to stretch its lead to 14-9 entering the final quarter.

With 15 minutes left in regulation, Christopher Newport attempted a comeback. On the defensive end, Rozgonyi knocked down an insertion near the crease before Rafterry-Lee cleared the area. Minutes later, Burgoyne brushed aside an on-target blast to keep the Dutchmen off the scoreboard. Then, the offense took control.

Krause kicked off the rally after capitalizing on an eight-meter attempt midway through the quarter. Shortly thereafter, Syd Guidi put on a show. During a lengthy possession, she found herself matched up one-on-one with two different defenders. Unfazed by the attention, she spun past both Dutchmen before finding an opening on the inside for the squad's 11th goal.

Back within three with three minutes left in the game, Lindsay Connell continued the onslaught. Following a defensive stand that saw Krause jostle a ball free near the crease, Christopher Newport orchestrated a quick clear. Storming down the field, Connell eventually took control near the 25. With four Dutchmen in her way, she simply burst right through the Lebanon Valley defense before burying a dart in the cage, which cut the squad's deficit down to two at 14-12.

Sadly, that was as close as the Captains would come. Lebanon Valley controlled the ensuing draw and pieced together a lengthy possession before scoring one last goal in the final minute to wrap up the win.

Overall, the visitors held a 34-29 advantage in shots and a 19-11 edge on the draw. Meanwhile, Christopher Newport had a slim lead in ground balls, 19-17.

The Captains will be back in action on Wednesday when the team heads to Shenandoah for a 4 p.m. showdown.

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