Lynchburg, Va. -- The 17th-ranked University of Lynchburg field hockey team saw its six-game winning streak snapped Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 loss to Christopher Newport on Shellenberger Field.

The Captains scored twice in the third quarter to take a two-goal lead, but Lynchburg's Sydney Rowe cut it in half with more than 12 minutes to go, giving the Hornets hope. That's all Lynchburg got, though, and the Hornets suffered their first loss since Sept. 10 and first defeat in regulation since the 2021 Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship game.

Lynchburg got the first opportunity in the game by earning a penalty corner in the opening minute. Kessa Romero's shot after the injection was saved, however, and the first quarter played out evenly. CNU took control in the second quarter, holding the Hornet offense without a shot. Lynchburg goalie Kayla Brady kept the score tied, making three of her 10 saves in the second period.

The Captains finally did break through in the 41st minute. Abby Asuncion stole the ball away from the Hornets and dribbled into the circle, scoring from the right side with a strong hit. CNU added another goal less than 2 minutes later. Brady made two stellar saves after a Captains corner, but the second rebound went straight to Alexis Morales, who doubled the visitors' lead.

Lynchburg avoided any further damage before quarter's end and came out with a vengeance in the fourth. The Hornets finally broke through in transition, when Madison Mark played a great ball to Rowe, who was waiting behind the defense, and the freshman finished the play to make it a 2-1 game. The Hornets managed a few more chances in the late going – a Marlou Wendriks shot missed wide, and the Captains snuffed out a late corner opportunity – but couldn't find the equalizer.

The defeat was the first on Shellenberger Field for Lynchburg (8-2) since falling in the first round of the 2021 NCAA tournament last Nov. 10; Lynchburg had won three straight at home since then entering Sunday's game. The Hornets will have another big test Wednesday afternoon at 4 when reigning ODAC champ and No. 14-ranked Washington and Lee pays a visit to the Hill City.

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--LYN--