FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Now riding a nine-game winning streak, the Christopher Newport University women's basketball team faces a tough test on the road Saturday, taking on Methodist University (8-9, 5-5) at 2:00 pm. The Monarchs are one of just three teams to defeat the Captains this season, and handed CNU its lone USA South loss of the season so far. The Captains are now 14-3 overall, 9-1 in conference play.

Since the last time these two teams faced, the Captains defense has ratcheted up to a much tougher level. CNU now ranks 16th in the nation in scoring defense (49.4) and 22nd in field goal percentage defense (31.9%). Statistically, the Christopher Newport squad is incredibly balanced, with eight different players collecting double-digit steals and four players have at least 11 blocks.

Offensively, CNU has been led by sophomores Tia Perry and Nicole Mitchell with 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds per game. Three seniors round out the starting lineup, as Kimmy Hopkins, Jerlisa Bowser and Lauren Gural are headed to the Riddle Center for the last time of their careers.

Methodist features a fast-paced offense and an aggressive defense, led by Jackie Lyles and TT Taylor. Lyles is just shy of a double-double average, scoring 13.2 points and grabbing 9.2 rebounds per game, while Taylor adds 8.8 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Monarchs.

The game will tip at 2:00 pm in Fayetteville, N.C. and live stats will be available at CNUsports.com.