GRANVILLE, Ohio — The No. 10 Denison Women's Lacrosse used a fast start and a dominant second quarter to pull away from No. 19 Christopher Newport in a 16–7 win on Saturday afternoon. The Big Red move to 8–1 on the season after putting five players into multi-goal territory and controlling the game on both ends of the field.
Denison set the tone early behind back-to-back goals from Finlay Harmon, who struck twice in the opening two minutes to give the Big Red a quick 2–0 advantage. Sophie Davenport added a third moments later before the Captains responded with two of their own to close the first quarter at 3–2.
The second period belonged entirely to Denison. The Big Red outscored CNU 6–0 in the frame, ignited by Bridget Sheehy's finish off an MK Barnhart feed at 13:26. Madison Goldstein, Addie Clift (twice), Mary Martinson, and Sheehy again, this time on a man-up opportunity, poured on goals as Denison stormed into halftime leading 9–2.
Harmon opened the third with her third goal of the day, part of a four-goal run that stretched Denison's lead to 12–2. Though CNU caught fire with three straight goals late in the quarter but the surge wasn't enough to threaten the margin. Denison answered with a composed fourth quarter, highlighted by goals from Goldstein, Martinson, Sheehy, and Clift to seal the 16–7 final. Clift's tally at 4:22 marked her fourth goal contribution of the afternoon.
The Big Red showcased remarkable balance, with five players scoring multiple goals, including hat tricks from Harmon, Clift, Goldstein, and Sheehy. Martinson added two key goals and an assist, continuing her strong week.
Defensively, Denison limited CNU to just two first-half goals and held the Captains scoreless for over 25 minutes of game time.
Denison and Christopher Newport finished nearly even in total shots (32–31), but the Big Red made their chances count, especially during their six-goal second quarter. Denison's defense and goalkeeping proved to be the difference, turning away 17 shots compared to CNU's 10.
The Big Red were sharp in transition, converting 21-of-23 clears, while the Captains went 14-for-17. CNU held a slight edge on the draw (13–12), but Denison countered by forcing 11 turnovers, including seven in the second quarter alone.
