Live Stats // Video Stream
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the third time in a week, the Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team will test itself against a top-20 foe as the Captains host No. 14 Messiah at noon on Saturday at Jennings Family Stadium.
Entering the contest, Christopher Newport sits at 2-4 overall, including 1-4 at home. Meanwhile, Messiah is 4-1 with a 3-1 mark on the road.
For those fans unable to attend the game, live stats and a video stream of the action will be available at CNUsports.com. Direct links to both features can be found at the top of this release and on the schedule page.
The Captains are coming off of a hard-fought 6-4 setback against No. 16 Chicago on Wednesday. Christopher Newport held a 4-1 halftime lead, but the Maroons responded with five unanswered goals in the second half to steal the victory. Despite the loss, the six goals surrendered by the squad equaled the fewest scored by a top-20 foe in program history. The 2021 squad also allowed six during a 9-6 win over No. 20 St. Mary's (Md.).
Against the Maroons,
Kelsey Winters handed out her 151st career assist, which broke Christopher Newport Hall of Famer Meghan Harkey's previous record of 150. That total also stands as the third-highest among active players in the NCAA.
In addition to Winters,
Julia Iapicca deposited a pair of goals and forced two turnovers.
Kendall Krause and
Emma Jackson also added two takeaways apiece, while
Hadley Chadwick collected a career-high 12 saves.
Saturday's showdown will mark the squad's fourth against a nationally-ranked opponent this year. Along with Wednesday's bout with No. 16 Chicago, the Captains knocked off No. 24 Haverford, 15-14, on February 25 and dropped close decisions to No. 8 Washington & Lee and No. 11 York (Pa.).
Stepping up against the top-flight competition, Iapicca has scored 10 of her goals this season against nationally-ranked opponents, while Winters leads the team with 11 points in those contests. Additionally,
Emma Jackson has 10 takeaways, 10 ground balls, and 14 draws against top-25 teams.
Messiah has faced three teams currently listed in the IWLCA National Poll. In their last appearance, the Falcons posted a 9-7 win over St. John Fisher, who received votes in the latest rankings. Meanwhile, the squad also has a 10-6 win over No. 9 Gettysburg and a 19-11 setback at No. 8 Franklin & Marshall.
So far this season, Rachel Delate leads Messiah with 18 points and 11 goals, while Hayla Lettinga and Makenzie Schnur have nine strikes apiece. On the defensive side, Mackenzie O'Haver has compiled a .475 save percentage and 10.33 goals-against-average, while Grace Gormely is averaging three takeaways per game, which places her 23rd in the NCAA.
Saturday's contest will mark the fourth all-time meeting between the two programs with Messiah holding a 2-1 edge in the series. Last year, the Falcons posted a 15-6 win in Pennsylvania. Krause had three goals in that game for the Captains, while
Eleanor Collins collected three draw controls. O'Haver earned the win for the hosts after notching seven saves and three ground balls.
Following this weekend, Christopher Newport will remain at home for a noon game against Denison on March 26.
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