NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A penalty kick goal in the 49^th minute was the difference as the No. 17 Swarthmore College women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season on Wednesday evening, 1-0, at the hands of the top-ranked team in Division III, Christopher Newport University.
 
The Garnet put half of their 12 shots on goal but were unable to solve the Captains goalkeeper. Lila Travers kept Swarthmore in it, turning away nine Christopher Newport shots.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Garnet nearly took an early lead in the 12^th minute. Veronica Gibbons centered the ball from the right post and the goalie was out of position. However, before Lauren Lior could get to the ball, a Captains defender cleared it away. Liesel Blau then charged in and got off a shot but the keeper had recovered by that point and was able to make the save.
 
- Swarthmore had another strong chance in the 20^th minute. Ava Gizzie booted a low pass from outside the left boundary of the box to the right side of the goal where Marea Lee got off a one-time shot but the goalkeeper was able to dive and get the stop.
 
- Christopher Newport had its first dangerous opportunity in the 36^th minute, similar to the Garnet's earlier chance. The Captains passed across the field for a one-time shot but Travers was able to get the left post and keep it out of the net. Christopher Newport was later awarded a penalty kick in the closing minutes of the first half but Travers dove to her left and came up with the big save to keep it scoreless.
 
- Early in the second half, the Captains received another penalty kick opportunity due to a trip in the box. Travers picked the correct side once again but the ball just eluded her fingertips and found the upper corner for a 1-0 Christopher Newport advantage.
 
- Travers made five more key saves in the second half to keep it a one-goal deficit but the Garnet were unable to find the equalizer as they were limited to just five shots in the period.
 
GARNET LEADERS
Shots: Gizzie, Gibbons 3
Shots on Goal: Gizzie, Gibbons 2
Saves: Travers 9
 
UP NEXT
Swarthmore (10-1-2) looks to bounce back with a home conference match versus McDaniel College on Saturday at 1 p.m.