Christopher Newport Ends Salisbury’s Amazing Postseason Streak
ANNVILLE, Pa. – No. 13 Christopher Newport upset No. 7 Salisbury in the second-round of the NCAA tournament to snap Salisbury’s quest for a fourth consecutive national championship. The Captains topped the Sea Gulls 2-1 in overtime and dealt SU its first postseason loss in 13 games, thus ending the NCAA Division III record of 12 straight tournament victories.

After regulation ended in a 1-1 tie, Haylie Black scored the sudden-death game winner at 8:46 into overtime. Black’s tenth score of the season was an historic goal for the Christopher Newport program which is making its first NCAA appearance. The Captains had lost to Salisbury in six prior meetings dating back to 2001.

The three-time defending national champion Sea Gulls battled back from a 1-0 halftime disadvantage to send the game into extra time. Ashley Twigg scored the lone Salisbury goal on a cross from CAC Player of the Year Megan Powell with just over 15 minutes left. Despite erasing the deficit and gaining momentum, the Sea Gulls could not put another goal past CNU goalie Ashley Whipple. Whipple made 11 saves including a save in overtime on a shot by Danielle Twilley.

CNU scored off a deflection from the stick of Brittany Touchard to capture the early lead. But, like Whipple, Salisbury’s goalie Maria Ramoundos was solid in net. Ramoundos stopped seven shots including two in overtime.

For the game, Salisbury tallied 23 shots to Christopher Newport’s 11. SU also held the edge in penalty corners, 19-7. In the second half alone, Salisbury racked up 11 corners and 16 shots, but the Gulls were unable to score the go-ahead goal.

Christopher Newport continued to make the most of its initial tournament appearance as it advanced to the third-round to face No. 6 Lebanon Valley College who downed New England College 4-1.