NEWPORT NEWS, VA- Christopher Newport University Director of Athletics C.J. Woollum and Volleyball Coach Lindsay Birch today announced the release of the school's 2010 schedule. The Captains are coming off an amazing 2009 season that saw them advance to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament and finish #16 in the country, the highest ranking in program history.

“After an incredible 2009 season, and with everyone on our roster returning, expectations are higher than ever for our program in 2010,” Birch said. “We have put together a very competitive schedule with high-quality teams to challenge us and prepare us for a deep postseason run. Our players are very dedicated to being significantly better in 2010.  I have challenged them to not only maintain what we did in 2009, but surpass it....and their response has been exceptional.”

The Captains open the season on Wednesday, September 1st, hosting Virginia Wesleyan at 7 pm at the Freeman Center.

The schedule features a trip to San Antonio, Texas, on September 10th and 11th for the Trinity Fall Classic. Christopher Newport will play against Puget Sound, Trinity, Pacific and Southwestern in the two-day event.

CNU has won the USA South Championship the last three years and the Captains are riding a 63-game conference winning streak. They will open conference play on Saturday, September 18th, with a tri-match at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. CNU will play Meredith and Peace.

The 2010 regular-season schedule will conclude with a home tri-match on Saturday, October 30th. The Captains will host Averett and Ferrum at the Freeman Center.

CNU was 36-7 last year, the best record in program history, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in the last nine years. The Captains did not have a senior on the roster, and will likely welcome back all 14 members from the 2009 squad.

Click here for the full 2010 CNU volleyball schedule.