NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (May 9, 2026) — Ryan Miller scored four goals and added an assist, as No. 5 Christopher Newport pulled away early to defeat Pfeiffer 20-7 in the second round of the NCAA Division III men's lacrosse tournament on Saturday afternoon at Jennings Stadium.
Christopher Newport (17-3) seized control with an 11-1 first-half surge, including a 7-0 second quarter that broke the game open.
Miller led a balanced offensive effort for the Captains, while Kevin Miller had two goals and four assists, and Jamie Smith and John Santoro each scored twice. Christopher Newport finished with 46 shots and 34 on goal.
Pfeiffer got a pair of goals from
Dylan Sullivan and a goal and an assist from
Bashwyn Fitch.
Trent Orr added a goal and
Ethan Miles,
Gabriel Barker and
Will Rivera also scored for the Falcons, who totaled 39 shots.
The Captains opened the game with three quick goals in the first quarter and led 4-1 after 15 minutes. Pfeiffer stayed within reach briefly before Christopher Newport dominated the second period, scoring seven times for an 11-1 halftime advantage.
Pfeiffer showed life in the third quarter, scoring three straight goals — including tallies from Fitch, Sullivan and Orr — to trim the deficit to 12-4. But Christopher Newport answered with a late goal in the third and then six more in the fourth to put the game out of reach.
Mason Bellinger made 15 saves in goal for Christopher Newport, while Pfeiffer's
Korbin Hamilton stopped 13 shots.
CNU also controlled possession with a 45-29 edge in ground balls and forced 27 turnovers.
With the win, the Captains advance to the NCAA quarterfinals, while Pfeiffer completing the season with a 16-3 overall mark.
