Owls’ strong start curtailed by No. 17 Captains

GAMBIER, Ohio — The Kenyon College Owls welcomed the Christopher Newport University Captains to The Field at Benson Bowl for some Easter Sunday women’s lacrosse action. The Owls opened the game with two quick goals, but the No. 17-ranked Captains took control to clinch a 21-10 comeback victory.

The loss marks the first time Kenyon has been unable to defend its home turf, falling to 2-1 in Gambier and 4-4 overall this season. On the other side, Christopher Newport bounced back from yesterday’s loss at nearby Denison University, boosting their record to 9-4 this season.

The Owls got out to a great start, scoring the game’s first two goals. The Captains took the first crack at the goal, but Nola Garand saved the shot and sent Kenyon on the offensive. The Owls got into attack mode quickly as Kate Lengel ripped a shot shortly after a successful clear, an attempt that barely missed as it bounced off the crossbar. Fortunately for Kenyon, Spencer Kirsch was there to clean up the miss, scooping up the ground ball and connecting on the second-chance shot to start the scoring.

Kenyon kept its foot on the gas, needing just 35 seconds to double the newfound lead. Alex Tiatia started things off by winning the draw control, and Lengel earned a free position shot, which she converted for her team-leading 27th goal.

Despite Kenyon’s strong start, Christopher Newport completely flipped the script. The Captains scored six straight goals to close the first frame, and they extended their run to 8-0 with the second quarter’s first two goals, building a lead they would not relinquish.

Still, the Owls weathered the storm and clawed back from a 10-5 halftime deficit with two quick goals to open the third period. Blythe Karras connected on an unassisted score before a free position shot led to the second goal. Ali Hatfield had the free position goal, her season’s 13th score, as the Owls pulled within three at 10-7.

Christopher Newport kept Kenyon from coming any closer. The visitors ended the third quarter with a 6-1 run, including four straight scores to close the period with a 16-8 edge. The Captains closed the game with a 6-2 fourth-quarter advantage, clinching the 21-10 victory.

Lengel and Ella Rigoli led the Owls with two goals apiece, and the duo tied Karras, who had a goal and an assist, for the team lead in points. Maddie Garner gathered a game-high eight draw controls, while Lauren Gilbert caused a game-high three turnovers.

With their non-conference slate now in the books, the Owls start their North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) campaign at Ohio Wesleyan University. Kenyon’s NCAC Championship defense begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 5.