Lynchburg, Va. -- University of Lynchburg women's soccer hung tough with top-ranked Christopher Newport on Shellenberger Field Tuesday evening, but a 76th-minute goal pushed the Captains past the Hornets. 

Lynchburg outpossessed the Captains nearly all night, and junior goalkeeper Jade Lecklider made three saves, but the reigning national champions were too much for the Hornets. 

The Captains outshot the Hornets in the first half, but the Hornets dominated possession of the ball throughout the first 45 minutes and earned two opportunities from the corner flag. Leilianis Irigoyen had the best chance in the first half, but CNU's keeper Jaya Daniel made the save. Lecklider also made a save in the opening half.

The Hornets maintained the pressure out of halftime. Claire Lloyd centered up a shot on a free kick from 30 yards out, but Daniel made another stop.

The Captains countered well and had several opportunities to move the ball up the field in space midway through the final half. However, the Lynchburg defense was up for the test as Lecklider made two point-blank saves, and Lacey Garner denied a shot inside the box. 

In the 76th minute, the Captains made a run up the field again and found the back of the net to break the scoreless draw.

Ida Swisher had a good look at the net on a free kick after a CNU-yellow card, but her shot went wide. Ella Tampio-Iorns took the final swing for the Hornets with a strong, left-footed shot, but CNU's keeper made the decisive save. 

Lynchburg (4-2-4, 2-0 ODAC) has a quick turnaround and squares off with Sweet Briar at Amherst County High School on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

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--LYN--