SALISBURY, Md. – The Denison women's lacrosse team saw its 2026 season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday afternoon, falling 11-10 to Christopher Newport University in the NCAA Division III Championship. The Big Red finished their season with a program-high 19 wins and two losses, after securing their fourth consecutive NCAC Tournament title to go to their 19th overall NCAA championship appearance.
Christopher Newport struck first with three unanswered goals in the opening quarter before Madison Goldstein got the Big Red on the board with 6:50 remaining in the period. The Captains carried a 4-1 lead into the second quarter and extended their advantage to 5-1 early in the frame.
Denison responded with its strongest stretch of the afternoon, scoring five straight goals to take a 6-5 lead late in the second quarter. Bridget Sheehy opened the run on a free-position chance before MK Barnhart, Emersen Thompson, Finlay Harmon and Maddie Chase each found the back of the net. Harmon and Barnhart each recorded assists during the rally as the Big Red flipped the momentum heading into halftime.
Christopher Newport answered with two goals in the final 1:28 of the half to regain a 7-6 advantage at the break and added the lone goal of the third quarter to extend the lead to 8-6 entering the fourth.
Denison battled back throughout the final quarter as Mary Martinson, Addie Clift and Harmon each scored to keep the Big Red within striking distance. Harmon's third goal of the afternoon trimmed the deficit to 10-9 with under five minutes to play, but Christopher Newport answered with a late insurance goal with 58 seconds remaining.
Harmon scored again with 16 seconds left to make it an 11-10 game, but the Captains held on through the final seconds to secure the victory.
Harmon led Denison with three goals while Barnhart added two-point performances with a goal and an assist. Eight different players recorded either a goal or assist for the Big Red in the contest.
Denison closes the season with a 19-2 overall record and with another appearance in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen
Highlights
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First-year Finley Harmon earned her 13th game with three or more goals in a game to cap off her rookie season. She would also lead the team in draw controls with four.
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MK Barnhart led team in assists with two.
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Denison broke their single-season win record after finishing the season 19-2
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The Big Red also broke the team single-season records in most goals (344), assists (201), and points (545) to name a few.
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The 2026 senior class finished with an overall record of 61-23 and in conference 25-1.
