The Christopher Newport University (CNU) Women’s Soccer team put on a commanding performance in their 4-0 victory over Mount St. Joseph University on Saturday, Sept. 7. Coming off the momentum of a narrow 1-0 win against Mary Hardin-Baylor the night before, the Captains showed why they are ranked No. 3 in the nation, demonstrating both composure and creativity on the pitch.
From the opening whistle, CNU looked sharp and determined. Senior forward Molly Seventko opened the scoring, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from junior forward Bella Ventimiglia. The early goal set the tone for the match, giving the Captains confidence and forcing Mount St. Joseph to chase the game. Seventko, who finished the night with two goals and an assist, credited Ventimiglia’s work on the wing for creating the opportunities.
“It was exciting, but Bella deserves the credit for setting me up on that first one,” Seventko said.
The physicality of the first half was noticeable, but the Captains weathered the intensity by leaning on their strength in ball movement and possession.
“The running took a toll as well as the aggression from their team, but we focused on moving the ball quickly,” Seventko explained.
That strategy proved successful, as CNU went into halftime already ahead 3-0.
The highlight of the night came from senior All-American midfielder Hannah Heaton, who delivered a stunning free kick from 18 yards out. Striking with confidence and precision, Heaton bent the ball into the net for a highlight-reel goal.
“The second I stood over the ball, I knew it was going in,” she said with a smile after the match. Heaton added an assist later in the game, continuing her reputation as a key playmaker for the Captains.
Last season, she racked up 45 points, breaking the program record for single-season assists, and her presence on the field continues to elevate the team. Head coach Jamie Gunderson praised the team’s ability to adapt within their flexible formation. While the Captains often employ a three-back setup, Gunderson highlighted the importance of fluidity in their style of play.
“There is a set formation, but the interplay makes the team dynamic and hard to defend,” he explained.
That versatility allowed CNU to break down Mount St. Joseph’s defense with ease, creating chance after chance throughout the night. Gunderson also emphasized perseverance as a defining quality of his squad. When asked about the team’s ability to handle the physicality, he pointed to their resilience.
“The players learn from each game, and they increased the tempo to avoid injury,” he said.
His halftime message, despite holding a comfortable lead, was simple: “Keep going.”
The team responded by maintaining its focus and securing the shutout win. Looking ahead, Gunderson stressed humility despite the lofty national ranking.
“Each season is different. The goal is always to keep our eyes on the prize in November and December,” he said, referring to the NCAA tournament aspirations.
For the Captains, the focus remains on steady improvement and teamwork. The win over Mount St. Joseph was more than just another notch in the record. It was a statement about the depth and determination of this squad. With players like Seventko finding her scoring rhythm, Heaton continuing to deliver game-changing moments, and veterans like junior midfielder Lexi Hazelgrove providing consistency in the middle of the park, the Captains look poised for another
championship-caliber season.
As Heaton put it best: “The message is to keep pushing and keep winning.”
