NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Kicking off a new era for the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse program, the second-ranked Captains upended Montclair State, 20-5, during the first-ever league game in the history of the Coastal Lacrosse Conference as the squad used a well-rounded effort to register the lopsided triumph on a cool Saturday afternoon at Jennings Family Stadium.

In the league's first year of existence, the Captains christened the conference with a highlight-reel showcase throughout their battle with the Red Hawks. Leading the charge, Andrew Cook netted six goals, which equaled the sixth-highest total in program history. It also tied the most by a Captain in a league tilt, matching a record held by five former standouts, including Randy Foster and Will Geise, who happened to call Cook's historic tally on Saturday while serving as broadcasters for the webcast.

With his offensive eruption on Saturday, Cook also became just the 17th Captain to top 100 career points. Incredibly, he accomplished that feat faster than anyone in program history. The second-year star joined the prestigious club in just 26 games, besting the previous mark of former All-American Dylan Rice, who eclipsed the milestone in his 28th outing.

Also making history on Saturday, Warner Cabaniss won 12 of his 14 faceoffs and grabbed 10 ground balls. His second roller of the day marked the 200th of his career. He became just the fifth Captain to reach that plateau, joining All-Americans Tony Cruz and Phoenix Hines as well as longtime legends Ari Elgort and Teddy Pekalski.

In addition to the history-makers, Drew Miller and Danny McMinn had three points apiece. Miller also had three takeaways, while Mason Beckmeyer, Brandon Young, Aidan FitzGerald, Aidan Wheeler, and AJ Rosacker all caused two turnovers as well.

With the victory, Christopher Newport improved to 6-0 on the season, including 1-0 in league action. The setback dropped Montclair State to 2-3 overall and 0-1 against conference foes.

From the outset, the Captains looked sharp on Saturday. Less than three minutes into regulation, Christopher Newport capitalized on a quick transition as Coby Auslander connected with Alex Brendes on a 40-yard feed for the game's first goal. Later, Campbell Pozin added his own rocket on the run before Cook joined the party with a downhill dodge near the end of the opening period for a 3-0 lead.

In the second stanza, Beckmeyer set the tone in the early moments. The third-year standout forced a pair of turnovers, including a violent altercation along the crease. On the play, he lowered his shoulder and de-cleated an attacker with a vicious hit that nearly buried the Red Hawk into the turf.

Meanwhile, the offense never slowed down. Wheeler stepped down from the 20 with a long-range missile to open the second period. Later, Cook had back-to-back bullets before Young connected with Miller on a fast-break during a man-up situation with five minutes left in the quarter.

Still searching for more, Brett Jackson painted the right pipe with his first tally before Brendes skipped a bouncer over to Carson Hoffman, who blasted from the top of the zone for a 9-0 lead entering halftime.

After Montclair State found an opening early in the third frame, Cook fired back with a three-goal run of his own, which handed the hosts a 12-1 advantage midway through the period. Although the Red Hawks momentarily halted Christopher Newport's rally with their second goal, Auslander landed a blast from the left side before Will Mercado torched a defender during a one-on-one situation on the way to a rocket along the right post.

Entering the final 15 minutes, the Captains eased into the victory. Ryan Cammarata landed an early transition goal off a takeaway by Brett Kropinski before Gabe Montognese blistered the back of the cage with his first career strike. Shortly thereafter, Daniel Siaton broke the ankles of a defender with a hard charge on the way to the squad's 17th goal before McMinn landed a jump shot along the left post for his first tally.

Returning to the scene two minutes later, McMinn set up a strike by Maxwell Gladieux before Ryan Almassian added some long-pole lightning for the squad's final goal with just over 90 seconds remaining in regulation.

Overall, Christopher Newport out-shot Montclair State, 57-24, and held a 45-17 lead in ground balls. Along with Cabaniss' 10 rollers, FitzGerald collected five, while Zac Hanway added three to go along with six saves. Meanwhile, the Captains also won 21 of the 26 faceoffs, including five triumphs by Cole Evans and a three-for-three masterpiece by Dallas Pulliam.

Christopher Newport will return to action on Friday when the squad hits the road for the start of the Mustang Classic in Owings Mills, Maryland. The Captains will open the weekend with a 5:45 p.m. showdown against No. 1 RIT.

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