NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- With only 30 seconds remaining to be played in double overtime Thursday, Christopher Newport University's Captains produced a shot that looked like it couldn't miss.

But, Virginia Wesleyan College's Megan Gerhart saw it differently. 

Actually, she had the best view as she was was protecting the goal for the Marlins in the non-conference contest on Captains Field.  CNU's Lindsay Mondlock (Fairfax Station/Robinson) got off a solid kick from inside the box and as it headed toward the center of the net, Gerhart (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn), a 5-foot-10 sophomore, dived at the ball and punched it over the crossbar to deny the Captains a go-ahead goal.

It turned out to be a thrilling final big play in the hard-fought contest that ended in a 1-1 double overtime tie.

CNU (2-1-2) outshot VWC 3-0 in the second OT period, but one shot was blocked by the Marlin defense and Gerhart recorded saves on the other two.

Christopher Newport took the early lead in the contest when Kimmie Kerstiens (Virginia Beach/Floyd E. Kellam) scored in the 52nd minute, assisted by Victoria Perry (Purcellville/Woodgrove) and Carly Melkus (Ashburn/Briar Woods). 

Less than three minutes later however, Virginia Wesleyan produced the equalizer when rookie Lauren Shular (Fairfield, Ohio/Fairfeld) took the ball off a corner play and raced downfield to beat a defender to score.

CNU finished with a 16-5 advantage in shots, including a 6-0 production in the first half. The Captains also recorded a 9-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Gerhart recorded six saves for the Marlins and Haley Casanova (Ashburn/Broad Run) finished with two saves for CNU.

Virginia Wesleyan competes again on Saturday, Sept. 13, opening Old Dominion Athletic Conference competition at Emory & Henry College beginning at 1 p.m.

--AMDG--