NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Head coach Rush Cole and the Christopher Newport University men's tennis team opens the spring 2011 season on Friday, as the 30th ranked Captains host Virginia Wesleyan at 1:00 pm and travel to Old Dominion at 8:00 pm. The fourth ranked singles player in the nation, Eric Shulman, will lead the way for CNU.

The Captains were picked to finish second in the USA South this season and are listed as one of the ITA's top teams this season. CNU was 14-9 overall last season, led by Shulman, the USA South Player of the Year. Gianandrea Heyer was a First Team All-Conference singles player and ranks 22nd heading into this season.

The first match was scheduled to be indoors, but weather permitting will be played at the CNU Courts on campus at 1:00 pm. The Captains opened with Virginia Wesleyan last season, sweeping the Marlins, 9-0. CNU will travel to Norfolk to play Old Dominion at 8 pm, looking to avenge an 0-9 loss last season.