It was a weekend of emotion, reflection, and triumph for the Christopher Newport University (CNU) women’s soccer team. After cruising to a 2-0 win against Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) on Oct. 15, the Captains capped off the week with a thrilling 2-1 victory over 12th ranked Swarthmore College during senior night on Oct. 18 at Jennings Family Stadium.
The night belonged to the seniors who have helped define one of the most successful eras in program history. Over the past four years, this group has posted 66 wins, three losses, and ten ties. Their consistency and leadership have made CNU one of the nation’s elite teams.
As the players were introduced before kickoff, the crowd roared for Hannah Heaton, Kyleigh Gough, Molly Seventko, Abby Ochs, Hannah Taylor, Katy Bronski, QB Osuna, Alex Devers, and Alex Dalakis. Together, they have built a culture centered on hard work, selflessness, and belief.
“It’s fantastic,” head coach Jamie Gunderson said. “Hats off to Swarthmore because they always do a great job. It’s an amazing feeling to end senior night with a win, and I’m really proud of how the group managed the game.”
The Captains wasted no time showing that this night was theirs. Early in the first half, junior defender Bella DiTomasso stunned the crowd with a curling free kick from 35 yards out that found the upper corner of the net. The strike gave CNU a 1-0 lead and sent the bench into celebration.
Both teams moved the ball fluidly and created chances in the box, but CNU’s defensive shape held firm. Swarthmore equalized in the second half on a controversial header that followed a missed foul call inside the box. The moment tested CNU’s composure, but the Captains responded the way champions do by taking control.
Moments later, senior Hannah Heaton turned frustration into brilliance. After being tackled hard and shown a yellow card, she immediately answered with a dazzling goal. On the ensuing throw-in from DiTomasso, Heaton dribbled laterally across the top of the box, created space, and blasted a shot from 18 yards out into the top corner to restore the lead.
“I wasn’t happy with the yellow card,” Heaton said with a smile. “But I thought, what better way to respond than to get a goal for the team?”
Heaton’s strike proved to be the game-winner as CNU’s defense stayed disciplined and organized to close out the final minutes. Gunderson praised his team’s maturity in handling pressure. “It’s a sign of how composed and experienced this group has become,” he said. “They’re playing some of the most mature soccer I’ve seen.”
Just days before, the Captains showed similar control in their win over VWU. CNU scored twice in the first half with goals from Alex Devers and Heaton, earning a 2-0 shutout against a team that had entered with momentum.
Gunderson credited the attack’s sharpness. “We fine-tuned our patterns in practice, and it paid off,” he said. “The team executed perfectly in the first half and showed great focus against a physical opponent.”
The weekend victories were a fitting tribute to a senior class that has helped elevate CNU into a national powerhouse. Gough, a steady midfield presence, reflected on what it means to wear the jersey one final season. “It’s great,” she said. “You never know what to expect when you come into college soccer, but with this team, every win feels special.”
For Heaton, the night carried deep emotion. “It was super exciting,” she said. “It could be our last home game, and I was so happy to see the fans come out and support us. I’m thankful for my teammates, my family, and everyone who’s been part of this journey.”
As the seniors hugged their teammates after the final whistle, the scoreboard reflected more than a win. It represented four years of excellence, sacrifice, and shared memories.
Coach Gunderson summed it up perfectly. “Love you guys. It’s been a nice ride, but we’re not done yet.”
