NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Kendall Krause erupted for a career-high six goals, but the Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team could not quite keep pace with Roanoke as the Captains dropped a hard-fought 15-11 decision to the Maroons on a windy Saturday afternoon at Jennings Family Stadium.
During the contest, Krause tormented Roanoke with four goals in the first half before adding two more in the third quarter. She was equally effective on the defensive end while notching a pair of caused turnovers. With that performance, she moved into the program's top-10 all-time in career takeaways. She now has 56, which equals former legends Tess D'Arcy and
Gracie Sanders for the ninth-most by a Captain.
Along with Krause's showcase,
Syd Guidi added 10 draw controls, which tied the ninth-most in program history. Among other standouts,
Kelsey Winters handed out five assists, while
Zoe Dyer and
Sloane McDonald added two darts apiece.
With the setback, Christopher Newport falls to 4-5 on the season. The victory bumps Roanoke to 5-2.
In the early going, Roanoke slipped out to an early 3-0 lead before the Captains began chipping away at the deficit. Leading the resurgence, Winters connected with Krause on back-to-back goals, including a gorgeous strike that saw the senior spin between three Maroons before burying a blast on the interior.
Equally effective on the defensive side, Christopher Newport found its footing on the back end. Krause registered her first takeaway, while
Maggie Lockard stymied a Maroon with a check that dislodged the ball on a run up the right side. Later,
Izzy Shefrin came through with two straight saves, including a great stop on a low loner off a free-position attempt as time expired in the opening quarter.
In the second stanza, the two teams traded eight-meter missiles, including a rip by Krause in the 19th minute. Unfortunately, the visitors responded with three consecutive tallies in the middle of the period to grab a 7-3 advantage.
Firing back, Christopher Newport put together a tremendous rally over the final four minutes of the first half. Kicking things off, McDonald was isolated with a defender along the right side of the cage. Using a quick jab step, she got the Maroon leaning near the crease. With some breathing room, she cut back to her left, cruised around the pipe, and scored from close range.
Still rallying, Dyer split a double-team on the left side before depositing her first goal, while Krause punctuated the period with a free-position rocket, which pulled the hosts back within one at 7-6.
After the break, Roanoke got off to another hot start in the third quarter with two early tallies. Unfazed, Winters teamed up with Krause on another goal before the defense settled in again.
Looking to clamp down on the high-powered Maroons,
Lizzie Burgoyne leaked out of the cage during a lengthy rally before intercepting a pass along the left side of the crease. Moments later,
Madi Rozgonyi cleared the zone while flashing her speed during a sprint up the right sideline that saw her cruise through a slew of midfielders.
Shortly thereafter,
Alexis Kasuda also added an impressive run during another clear attempt that saw her escape pressure while wiggling free through a cluttered zone along the sideline. Capitalizing on the other side, Christopher Newport eventually produced a pair of late goals at the end of the third quarter.
Opening the last-minute push, the Captains showcased crisp passing as McDonald, Dyer, and Winters methodically moved the ball around the zone. Eventually, Winters handed the ball back to McDonald, who was stationed along the right pipe. In a flash, the second-year star connected with
Eleanor Collins, who landed a dart on the doorstep.
Later, Winters joined forces with Krause on a give-and-go. After Krause dished the ball to Winters, she quickly rolled around her defender and found a little opening. Hauling in the return feed, Krause regained control and snapped off her sixth goal before a second defender could close out on the left side of the field.
Still trailing by two entering the fourth quarter, Christopher Newport looked to regain some momentum. After the opening draw,
Joely Stevens badgered a midfielder with constant pressure before forcing a turnover. Minutes later,
Maddie Rusinko blocked a shot on the interior before Krause secured the loose ball and cleared the zone.
Unfortunately, Roanoke was undeterred. The visitors continued to rally and eventually landed four straight goals to steal a 15-9 lead entering the final four minutes of regulation.
Fighting back,
Taylor Schoolar came through with a save before McDonald pieced together a fabulous run. Sprinting down the field, she showcased breakaway speed during a successful clear. After McDonald handed possession over to Dyer, the visitors were able to stone an initial shot during the unsettled situation. Refusing to back down, McDonald simply barreled inside, grabbed the rebound, and dunked on the doorstep to complete the play.
Less than a minute later, after Guidi controlled the ensuing draw, Winters connected with Dyer, who cut around a defender and scored along the left post. Sadly, time simply ran out on the comeback bid as Roanoke handled Christopher Newport's last two shots before the final horn sounded.
Overall, Roanoke held a 34-23 advantage in shots and a 17-13 lead in ground balls. Meanwhile, both teams came away with 15 draw controls.
Christopher Newport will return to action on Wednesday when the team heads to Lynchburg for a 5 p.m. showdown with the Hornets.
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