NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Saturday night, the unbeaten Christopher Newport women's basketball team will return to action after a nine-day layoff for final exams. The Captains (6-0) will take on regional rival and future Capital Athletic Conference opponent Mary Washington (6-2) at 6:30 pm in the Freeman Center Saturday evening. The Eagles will also be rested, having not played since December 4 when they suffered a two-point loss to Eastern Mennonite. 

Head coach Bill Broderick and the Captains have raced out to a hot start, winning their first six games, including the last three at home. The game this weekend will be the last time fans have a chance to see CNU at home for well over a month, as the Captains will embark on a nine-game road trip starting Monday, December 17 and ending with their next home game on January 26. 

CNU, receiving votes in the D3hoops.com National Rankings, is led by a balanced attack with four different players averaging double figures. Tia Perry leads the way, with 15.2 points per game, while also grabbing 6.2 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. Senior Kelly Halverson has added 11.3 points per game, while junior Nicole Mitchell (10.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and sophomore Camry Green (10.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg) round out the Captains leaders. Team defense has been pivotal in the Captains success so far this season, ranking 21st in the nation in steals per game and 50th in scoring margin.

Mary Washington comes into the 2012-13 season after reaching the Elite Eight last year and concluding the season with an impressive 30-1 overall mark. Head coach Deena Applebury graduated two of the program's all-time greatest players, but geared up for another solid season this year when they ranked 16th in the preseason national rankings. Sophomore guard Sam Partonen has led the way for the Eagles so far, averaging 15.4 points and 4.2 assists per game. Aby Diop is hauling in a team-high 9.1 rebounds per game while ranking second on the squad with 11.2 points per game.

Live stats and video will be available of the game at CNUsports.com. Fans are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Freeman Center to receive a free general admission ticket. All toys will be given to designated families via the Boys and Girls Club of Newport News.