LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Christopher Newport volleyball team will enter the 2014 campaign ranked 25th in the country after the Captains earned that spot in the national preseason poll released on Wednesday afternoon by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

CNU earned the national recognition after a strong push at the end of last season, which saw the squad capture the Capital Athletic Conference championship and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Captains also finished undefeated in CAC play and wrapped up 2013 with a 25-13 record.

Overall, it marks the fifth straight year that CNU has earned a spot in the preseason top-25. Last year, the team entered the season tied for fifth in the country. The squad was also ranked first to open up 2012, sixth in 2011, and 15th in 2010.

At the top of this year's poll, Calvin holds the No. 1 position after receiving 56 first-place votes. Emory also collected three first-place votes and sits second overall, while Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Hope, and St. Thomas (Minn.) round out the top-five.

As usual, several of the top-ranked squads will battle the Captains this year as CNU has four matches scheduled against teams listed in the national poll. Christopher Newport will face off against No. 15 Eastern on September 5, No. 10 Mount Union on September 13, No. 14 Juniata on September 19, and No. 8 Colorado College on October 3. Additionally, Berry is receiving votes in the poll and will venture to Newport News for the CNU Invitational on September 12.

Looking to defend their CAC title, the Captains welcome back a strong veteran core in 2014, highlighted by three returning All-Conference performers. Sophomore Briana Sutton is back after an incredible freshman season that saw her earn CAC Rookie and Co-Player of the Year honors. Rachel Conway and Hannah Miller also collected second-team All-League nods, while seniors Krista Hughes, Jessie Kolden, and Brooke Moore will look to be key contributors once again in 2014 as well.

Christopher Newport will open up the season at home with the Captains Classic on August 29-30. The squad will kick off the year against Keene State on Friday at 4 p.m. before battling Washington & Lee later in the evening at 8 p.m. On Saturday, CNU will take on Cabrini at noon and Bridgewater at 4 p.m.

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