NEWPORT NEWS, VA - The No. 12 Swarthmore College women's soccer team dropped a tightly-contested battle at No. 13 Christopher Newport University in a premiere showdown between two of the nation's top programs. 

The Captains jumped out to an early one-goal advantage with a tally in the 11th minute. Swarthmore then countered in the second half with a Macie Mangini equalizer, but could not hold off a late goal from Christopher Newport in the 73rd minute. 

Dahlia Bedward battled hard to slow down a high-powered attack. The senior made nine saves, including several remarkable stops to keep her offense within striking distance. Bedward's save total marked the second-most of the season and for her career. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Bedward fought off a couple Christopher Newport chances in the second minute. The senior keeper made an excellent diving attempt to redirect a shot to the opposite post. Bedward then punched out the ensuing corner kick, which was heading towards the far side.

- Despite a strong defensive effort from the Garnet, the Captains were able to take advantage of a free kick in the 11th minute to tally the game's opening score. However, Bedward responded with an exceptional save in the 22nd minute. The senior dropped to the ground and smothered a dangerous rip from just outside the center of the box. 

- Late in the first half, the Garnet created offensive chances with shots from Nicole Jensen and Celia Kanellakos. One of the region's most dangerous strikers, Kanellakos found some free space in the center of the attacking zone, but ripped a shot just wide of the post. 

- Swarthmore turned away a couple Christopher Newport chances to open the second half. Momentum then flipped in Swarthmore's favor when Mangini knotted things up in the 53rd minute. After a corner attempt was redirected wide by the hand of the Captains' keeper, Sydney Ross controlled the loose ball at the back post. The sophomore then lobbed a ball across the middle, which was redirected beautifully by the head of Mangini to even the score, 1-1.  

- The Captains upped the intensity as they hunted for a go-ahead score. The Garnet defense stood strong through several offensive attacks, but could not keep Christoper Newport off the board as they ripped a perfectly-placed strike past Bedward for the game-winning tally in the 73rd minute. 

- Bedward made one final highlight-reel save in the 81st minute to keep the Garnet alive. Swarthmore's offense then applied late pressure as they fought hard to even the score. Kanellakos sent a shot wide in the 85th minute, while Gizzie had a couple late attempts turned away by the defense. 

GARNET LEADERS
Points: Mangini 2
Goals: Mangini 1
Assists: Ross 1
Shots: Gizzie 4
Saves: Bedward 9

UP NEXT
The Garnet (11-2-2) return to conference play versus Gettysburg College in their regular-season home finale on Saturday.