Christopher Newport University (CNU) women’s soccer continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 2-0 win over Roanoke University on Tuesday, Sept. 17. The victory moves the Captains to 6-0-1 on the season and cements their No. 3 national ranking as they prepare for another top-25 matchup this weekend.
The Captains came into the match riding momentum from a challenging road trip to Ohio where they battled No. 8 Case Western to a 1-1 draw and defeated Ohio Wesleyan University 2-1. Head coach Jamie Gunderson said the travel and schedule were deliberately designed to test his team early.
“Every year around the third week we try to challenge the team. We played two solid teams, knew the travel and midweek schedule would be tough, and I am proud of the team for stepping up and getting another shutout,” Gunderson said.
Senior midfielder Kyleigh Gough put the Captains on the board in the eighth minute, calmly converting the team’s first penalty kick of the season. Gunderson said the early goal provided an important spark, even if it did not change the team’s approach.
“It didn’t take the stress off. We want to be on the offensive end as much as possible, but it was a positive moment and a good way to start,” he said.
Junior midfielder Lexi Hazelgrove doubled the lead with a stunning strike from distance that could have easily made ESPN’s Top 10 Plays. Hazelgrove credited her teammates for making moments like that possible.
“I’m just having fun out there. Playing with such amazing players makes the game more fun to play,” she said.
Hazelgrove also emphasized the importance of the team’s first touch and composure throughout the match, noting that much of their success stems from preseason preparation.
“Those first touch moments that are world-class come from all the work we put in during the offseason and in practice,” she said.
That precision was on display as the Captains consistently controlled throw-ins and built dangerous attacks, even as Roanoke’s defense tightened up.
The second half was a defensive battle with only seven combined shots from both teams. Roanoke relied heavily on set pieces to create danger, but CNU’s back line held firm, limiting the Maroons to just one shot on goal. Goalkeeper Amy Sidaway made the lone save of the night to preserve the clean sheet.
Gunderson praised Roanoke’s adjustments after halftime, which slowed the game down and forced the Captains to be patient.
“They changed their movement and shape, and I congratulated Coach Phil Benne on the way they slowed us down,” Gunderson said. Despite the scoreless second half, he said the team stayed disciplined and focused on the fundamentals.
Looking ahead, Gunderson’s message is clear as the Captains prepare to face No. 15 Washington & Lee this weekend.
“Let’s keep this season rolling. We want to play top teams to be prepared for the later part of the season, and that’s why we play the game,” he said.
With Tuesday’s result, three Captains now share the team lead in scoring. #7 Molly Seventko, #19 Lexi Hazelgrove and #11 Hannah Heaton all have three goals apiece, highlighting the team’s offensive balance and depth. With multiple scoring threats and a defense that has allowed just two goals all season, CNU looks like a team built for a deep postseason run.
As Hazelgrove put it, “We’re ready, and it’s always fun to play when it’s a great opponent.”
