VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- In the team's first action since hoisting the NCAA Division III National Championship trophy last December, the top-ranked Christopher Newport women's soccer team continued it's undefeated run with a 1-0 win over the College of Saint Benedict (0-1-0) on a neutral field at the Marlin Invitational on Friday night. Playing on a sweltering Summer day, the Captains and Bennies were deadlocked at nil-nil until the 84th minute of action when CNU broke through with a corner-kick goal from junior Emma Ricci to seal the victory. 

The Captains are now 23-0-1 under the direction of Jamie Gunderson, running the team's record unbeaten streak to 24 straight games. With the defense and rookie goalkeeper Abby Ochs locking down a clean sheet, the game also continues an impressive shutout streak that is now over 275 minutes -- it is the fourth such run of at least 270 minutes during the unbeaten streak. 

As time waned in regulation, the newly approved overtime rules threatened Christopher Newport into accepting a stalemate, as the NCAA has eliminated extra time from regular season action starting in 2022. With the score tied 0-0 and just under seven minutes remaining, the talented attack made sure that would not matter as a connection off a corner kick lit up the scoreboard for the first time of the season. Senior defender Sarah Rhiel took the free kick from the corner spot and launched a gorgeous ball into the middle of the box. The pass created an opportunity for senior forward Molly Beegle to elevate and get a head on the ball toward the frame, beyond the outstretched arms of the CSB goalkeeper. With the netminder out of the play, Beegle's header soared toward the goal line where junior Emma Ricci leaped and redirected the shot with another header against two defensive players contesting. 

It was the first game-winning goal of Ricci's career and the sixth tally in just her 23rd game.

Chances were not limited against the Saint Benedict defense, as Sarah Smith had an opportunity just minutes earlier on a free kick just outside the box on the left side. With a wall of defenders between her and the keeper, Smith wrapped a hard shot around them and on frame but her attempt was snared by the goalkeeper.

Throughout the contest, the CNU attack organized attempts toward the CSB defense. Just minutes into the contest, Emily Talotta slotted a nice attempt toward the goalmouth but Paige Kahlmeyer, the Saint Benedict starting keeper, picked up the save. Midway through the first half, Corinne Kulik peppered Kahlmeyer with back-to-back attempts, including one on net. 

The defense put together an outstanding effort from the opening whistle, allowing Saint Benedict just one real chance at goal when they hit the post on a shot by Addison Stephani in the 59th minute. Beyond that, the Bennies were held to just four total shots in the game including none on frame. 

CNU's back line enforcing the suffocating defense included complete game efforts from Jill McDonald, Kate Eissenberg, Sarah Rhiel, and Nyah Savage. McDonald also took a free-kick at midfield that would deflect off a Saint Benedict player and set up the game-winning corner kick. 

They played in front of Ochs, who went unchallenged in shots on net and picked up her first career shutout. 

Christopher Newport will return to action on Sunday with a big matchup against nationally-ranked McDaniel College at 1:00 p.m. The game will be played at Foster Field in Virginia Beach to conclude CNU's appearance in the Marlin Invitational Tournament.