In a season defined by resilience, tactical maturity and balance across the pitch, Christopher Newport University (CNU) women’s soccer once again showcased the power of its defense in a 1-0 victory over the Catholic University of America on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
With the win, the Captains improved to 7-0-2 and extended their unbeaten streak, fueled by a defensive unit that continues to set the standard for excellence in Division III soccer.
Coming off a 1-1 draw against No.15 Washington and Lee, where the Captains absorbed 19
shots and relied on 10 saves from goalkeeper Amy Sidaway, CNU entered the match focused
on improving possession and composure.
Head coach Jamie Gunderson said the team took key lessons from the previous outing.
“After watching the film, we knew we needed to keep the ball more and make the other team work off of it. Tonight, they executed that perfectly,” he said.
The breakthrough came in the first half after a beautiful sequence of passing and vision. Senior midfielder Hannah Heaton swung in a cross to junior midfielder Lexi Hazelgrove, who headed the ball to senior midfielder Kyleigh Gough for a composed finish. The early goal gave CNU the edge, but it was the backline that held the game steady for the remaining minutes.
Led by veteran defender Bella DiTomasso, the Captains’ defense allowed only five total shots and just two on target. Their structure, first touch control, and discipline frustrated Catholic’s offense all night.
Gunderson praised the group’s effort and leadership. “The backline is fantastic. Bella is the older one in the group and leads by example with her maturity and consistency. She’s always ready, no matter what system we run,” he said. “I’m also proud of the younger players stepping up. They are showing composure beyond their years.”
DiTomasso, who once again played a full 90 minutes, credited her success to the mentorship of former Captains like Nyah Savage and Reanna Slater, two of the most decorated defenders in program history.
“I’ve been under great mentorship that taught me what it takes to hold down the backline. It’s about grit, communication and not letting anyone get past you,” she said. “That mindset is what I try to pass down to the freshmen.”
CNU’s backline not only defended but helped drive the attack. The fullbacks advanced beyond their lines, contributing to the buildup and swinging possession across the field to create width.
At halftime, the focus was on refining transitions and tightening defensive communication, and the adjustments paid off as the Captains controlled the second half with poise and patience.
The legacy of CNU’s defense is no accident. Players like Savage and Slater laid the foundation for a unit that takes pride in shutting down opponents and building play from the back. Savage, the program’s all-time leader in minutes played, and Slater, a two-time Conference Defensive Player of the Year exemplified the iron-willed standard now carried forward by DiTomasso and her teammates.
With the defense holding firm, the Captains enter their upcoming weeklong break confident and energized before traveling to face Marymount University. Gunderson hopes to see continued support from the home crowd.
“No special message, just gratitude. We love the fans and hope more Captains keep following us because there are plenty of exciting moments ahead,” he said.
For a program built on excellence, this victory served as another reminder that championships begin with defense.
The Captains’ backline is not just stopping goals; they are shaping the identity of a team that has its sights set on another deep postseason run.
