NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Orchestrating a 60-minute masterpiece on both ends of the field, the 22nd-ranked Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team toppled RPI, 10-5, during a non-conference battle on a gorgeous Tuesday evening at Jennings Family Stadium.

Facing an opponent that entered the contest boasting the nation's third-ranked scoring defense, CNU put on a clinic. Kate Lamendola registered her second hat-trick of the season, while Brookelyn Morrison and Maelyn Eversole chipped in with four points apiece. Overall, the Captains dropped 10 goals on a team that had surrendered just six total tallies during its first three appearances of the season.

On the defensive side, Christopher Newport forced three shot-clock violations and six failed clears while baiting the opposition into 20 turnovers. Carys May, Gabby Saia, Lexi Larson, and Maddie Rusinko all had two takeaways apiece, while Hadley Chadwick contributed seven saves and a pair of ground balls.

With the victory, CNU improved to 3-2 on the season, while the setback dropped RPI to 3-1.

From the very beginning, Christopher Newport set the tone. Morrison assisted on the game's first two strikes as Lamendola landed a turnaround tracer in the center of the zone, while Eversole dotted the bottom right corner of the cage with a missile from the wing to snatch a 2-0 lead.

Looking for more, Eversole picked apart RPI's nationally-ranked defense. The senior dropped a dime to Stanley, who cut between two defenders before sinking her first goal. Just over a minute later, Eversole pulled a pair of Engineers away from the crease before Morrison filled the vacated zone, snagged a feed, and landed a rocket inside the right pipe.

Shortly thereafter, Lamendola punctuated the first-quarter fireworks with an eight-meter stinger over the keeper for a 5-0 advantage.

Meanwhile, on the defensive side, the Captains threw up a shutout over the first 15 minutes. On an early rally by the visitors, May swallowed an attacker in the left wing before Saia rode a cutter through the zone and forced a loose ball, which Chadwick collected in the crease.

Moments later, Grace Taylor came through with a great ride on a failed clear while stripping a midfielder near the center stripe before Chadwick brushed aside a free-position shot to keep the visitors off the board.

Continuing to blanket the field in the second quarter, the Captains threw up a roadblock on RPI's first clear as May boxed out an attacker along the left sideline before stealing a pass and swatting a roller back to Emilie Shoults, who completed the takeaway. Shortly thereafter, May came back and shadowed another Engineer in the left corner to force a pass to sail out of bounds.

Although RPI eventually tossed a pair of goals on the board, Christopher Newport held firm on the defensive side. Rusinko made a leaping stab on a failed clear in the right corner before the Captains forced back-to-back shot-clock violations. During the first push, Emily Snyder bottled up a last-second dodge along the right post before Madi Rozgonyi ended the second threat after suffocating a pair of attackers at the top of the arc. 

Later in the period, Chadwick pieced together a solid series after pocketing a hip-high hammer towards the left post before intercepting a pass along the opposite pipe.

While the defense was locking down the Engineers, Christopher Newport added one more goal in the first half. In the 27th minute, Taylor drew two defenders into the left corner, which left a void for Morrison. After securing the pass, the reigning All-American sniped a screamer into the back of the net to take a 6-2 lead into the break.

In the third quarter, CNU quickly stretched its lead. First, Elena Sorkin came through with a highlight-reel finish as the junior unleashed an underhanded scoop shot past the RPI keeper. Then, after Page Henry helped slam the door on another clear attempt, Faith O'Connor slipped free on a breakaway.

Flying down the right alley with three defenders in tow, O'Connor eventually found Stanley all alone on the left side. After grabbing the feed, she unleashed a rip on the run to secure an 8-2 edge.

Just as electric on the other side of the field, Lexi Larson forced a pair of turnovers during the period. The freshman picked the pockets of an attacker with a great ride near the top of the arc before getting into the hands of a second Engineer and forcing an errant pass, which flew over the head of an attacker along the baseline.

Along with Larson's work, Rozgonyi pounced on a bad pass towards the center of the zone, Saia rode an attacker up the left wing, and O'Connor picked off a roller on a failed clear. Meanwhile, on the back end, Chadwick added two more saves, including a fantastic stop on a low liner at the end of the period.

With little left to prove, the Captains closed out the game in style. In the fourth quarter, Lamendola completed her hat-trick after landing a blast in the top right corner of the cage on a free-position attempt. Later, Taylor closed out the squad's scoring after circling a defender before uncorking a high-to-low laser.

Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Morrison forced another failed clear after splitting two Engineers while punching a ball loose near midfield. Molly Campbell also wrestled possession away from an attacker at the top of the arc, while Chadwick chipped in with three final saves, including another tremendous stop on a sidewinder in traffic.

Overall, Christopher Newport held a 22-17 advantage in shots and a 12-4 lead in ground balls. Additionally, the Captains controlled eight draws, including five by Morrison.

CNU will return to action on Saturday when the team heads to Ursinus for a noon test.

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