NEWPORT NEWS, VA- Christopher Newport University's volleyball squad opened the 2010 season Wednesday night with a 3-0 sweep of Virginia Wesleyan. The Captains defeated the Marlins by scores of 25-18, 25-15, and 25-17, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Freeman Center.

“We have worked hard on our defense, and I was pleased with our overall effort,” Head Coach Linsday Birch said following the action. “We were able to play a lot of people, and they all made positive contributions.”

Senior Caitlyn Jansen (Lorton, Va.) led the way along with sophomore transfer Christie Fellows (Vienna, Va.). Jansen and Fellows each recorded 10 kills.

Junior Jessie Heavenrich (Cambria, Ca.) dished out 38 assists and also posted 10 digs. Sophomore Abby Hogge (Clifton, Va.) recorded 12 digs in the season-opening victory.

“We've got a big tournament this weekend, and I think we did a lot of positive things to lead into it,” Birch continued. “We worked hard on our defense in our scrimmages and it showed tonight.”

The Captains play Friday and Saturday in the Juniata College Invitational. CNU will play Division III powerhouse Juniata Friday night at 8 pm. Christopher Newport will also take on Dickinson College on Saturday at 1 pm followed by a 3 pm battle with Franklin and Marshall.

CNU was 36-7 last year, the best record in program history, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Elite 8. The Captains have played in the NCAA's seven times in the last nine years.

Box Score