GLASSBORO, N.J. -- Breaking a one-goal deadlock after the first 15 minutes of action, the 19th-ranked Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team erupted for nine strikes in the second stanza while cruising to a 19-11 win over Rowan during a non-conference test on Saturday afternoon at RU's Lacrosse & Soccer Complex.

After a defensive grind in the first quarter, the Captains found their rhythm over the final 45 minutes of action. Leading the charge, Julia Iapicca set a new career-high with seven goals, which equaled the fifth-most by a Captain in program history. Syd Guidi also landed four darts, while Kelsey Winters chipped in with six points, including five helpers.

Along with the high-volume scorers, Sloane McDonald and Brookelyn Morrison added two goals apiece. Morrison also notched three takeaways. The sophomore star now has 41 caused turnovers this year, just one shy of matching Sam Wettengel's single-season program record of 42 set in 2019.

Equally effective on the defensive end, Iapicca and Emma Jackson also added two takeaways apiece. Meanwhile, between the pipes, Bethany Wyant pocketed five saves to help stymie Rowan's high-powered attack.

With the victory, Christopher Newport improved to 10-4 on the season, while the setback dropped Rowan to 3-8.

In the first quarter, the defense set the tone early. Although Rowan slipped out to a quick 1-0 lead, the Captains clamped down. Eleanor Collins broke up a pass near midfield, while Morrison ripped possession away from an attacker on a free-position attempt. Later, Hadley Chadwick stoned an on-target rip before Maddie Rusinko got into the hands of an attacker and forced an errant pass, which Morrison collected.

Meanwhile, on the other end, Iapicca evened the score at one after skipping a shot inside the left post.

Still trading blows early in the second quarter, Iapicca came back with another blast before the Profs knotted the game at two. Back on even ground, Christopher Newport settled in. Hammering away at Rowan's back line, CNU quickly took a commanding advantage.

Breaking the deadlock, McDonald dropped a rainbow over the crease to Hope Hunter, who quickly redirected it into the back of the cage. Later, Collins helped dominate possession after connecting with Guidi on a pair of draws in the middle of the stanza, which helped set up a pair of successful offensive surges.

Capitalizing on the extra rallies, Iapicca sank two straight tallies, including a beautiful bouncer after Winters drew a crowd at the top of the zone. Shortly thereafter, Hunter carved up the opposition with back-to-back assists. First, she found Drew Stanley dancing along the crease before connecting with McDonald less than a minute later.

Although the hosts fired back with three goals during a four-minute window, CNU never lost control. McDonald answered with her second snipe of the period before Guidi landed two late punches, including an acrobatic run that saw her sidestep a pair of defenders during a sprint up the right alley.

Holding a 10-6 halftime lead, the Captains fostered their four-goal edge throughout the third period. On the defensive side, Wyant made a leaping interception on an early rush by the visitors before brushing aside a pair of on-target tests in the middle of the period.

Meanwhile, on the offensive side, Christopher Newport continued to attack. In the 34th minute, Page Henry spun underneath a defender during a successful push along the left post. Later, Winters and Iapicca teamed up on two more goals to snatch a 13-9 edge entering the fourth frame.

Looking to put the game on ice, the visitors struck early and often over the final 15 minutes. Morrison landed the first goal of the period before Madi Rozgonyi pieced together a slick clear that saw her drop a defender to the turf with a dodge along the sideline. Eventually, Guidi capitalized on the offensive end with her first of back-to-back goals, which secured a 16-9 lead.

Still motoring along, Winters broke the ankles of a defender with a cut behind the crease before sniping along the left pipe. Later, she added her final assist on another strike by Morrison, while Iapicca landed a bouncer after breaking through a wall of defenders to help polish off the 19-11 triumph.

Overall, Christopher Newport held a 31-26 advantage in shots and a 21-11 lead in ground balls. Meanwhile, Rowan led the way in draws, 19-13. On an individual level, Guidi had five draw controls for the victors, while Iapicca and Jackson added four ground balls apiece.

CNU will return to action on April 13 when the squad heads to Lynchburg for a 5 p.m. battle.

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