ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Navy opened with a dominant first quarter, but #11 Johns Hopkins steadily controlled possession and wore the Midshipmen down to secure a 12-9 victory Saturday night at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

The Midshipmen (4-3) built a 4-2 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 5-2 early in the second after Jack Ponzio's unassisted goal. But as the game progressed, possession tilted heavily in the Blue Jays’ favor, limiting Navy’s offensive opportunities.

Johns Hopkins (6-2) dominated the faceoff X and gradually took control, outscoring Navy 8-4 in the second half. Despite struggling with turnovers, the Blue Jays generated higher-percentage shots as the game wore on, forcing Navy to play extended defensive possessions.

Navy dictated the pace early, with Will Goers, Carter Ash, and Ponzio leading an efficient offensive start. The Mids converted on four of their first six shots on goal, but Hopkins tightened defensively and started controlling the ball. Hopkins took control at the faceoff X, winning six of seven draws in the second quarter and tilting possession in their favor. Navy’s defense held firm for most of the period, forcing multiple turnovers, but Hopkins scored twice in the final five minutes of the half to trim the deficit to 5-4 at halftime.

The turning point came in the third quarter. Navy was outscored 5-2 in the period as Hopkins became more efficient offensively, putting 11 of 22 second-half shots on goal compared to just 9 of 26 in the first half. That increase in shot quality helped them rip off four straight goals, flipping the game into a 9-7 Hopkins lead entering the fourth.

Navy still found some quality looks late but had fewer scoring chances overall due to failed clears and limited possessions. They failed three clear attempts in the second half and took just five shots in the fourth quarter, as Hopkins controlled possession late and never let the Mids back into it.

Key Performers

Johns Hopkins

Hunter Chauvette (A) – 3 goals

Matt Collison (M) – 2 goals, 1 assist

Brooks English (A) – 2 goals, 1 assist

Charlie Iler (M) – 2 goals, 2 assists

Logan Callahan (FOGO) – 20-of-25 on faceoffs, 8 ground balls

Oran Gelinas (G) – 13 saves

Navy

Evan Conway (M) – 3 goals, 1 assist

Jack Ponzio (M) – 2 goals, 1 assist

Mac Haley (A) – 1 goal

Will Goers (A) – 1 goal, 1 assist

Carter Ash (A) – 1 goal

Taylor LaFar (M) – 1 goal

Takeaways

Faceoff Struggles Limited Offensive Opportunities – Navy won just five of 25 draws, preventing them from sustaining offensive momentum as the game progressed. The Mids scored five goals in the first 20 minutes but managed just four over the final 40, largely due to three failed clears and Hopkins’ faceoff dominance limiting their chances.

Hopkins’ Turnovers Gave Navy a Chance – The Blue Jays committed 15 turnovers, including six in the fourth quarter, keeping Navy within striking distance, though the Mids couldn’t fully capitalize.

Final Thoughts

Navy showed it could compete with a national-level team, but until the team is healthy again at the X, possession will continue to be an issue. The Midshipmen’s defense held up under heavy pressure, and their early offense was sharp, but Hopkins’ extra possessions and improved shot creation eventually proved decisive.

The Mids now turn their focus to Le Moyne, looking to rebound before Patriot League play resumes.