NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Coming into the final weekend of the regular season, the fifth-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team will look to cap off its home slate in style on Saturday as CNU welcomes York to Captains Turf Field for a Capital Athletic Conference battle at noon.

On Saturday, Christopher Newport will hold its Senior Day festivities prior to the game and a youth clinic following the action. In between those events, the Captains will look to extend their program-record 16-game winning streak as the squad sits at 16-0 overall, including 4-0 in the CAC. York comes into the game at 4-10 with a 1-3 mark in league action.

Not at all familiar with one another, the Spartans and Captains have never squared off in a field hockey contest. York was a charter member of the CAC, while CNU joined the conference this summer.

Guided by their outstanding efforts throughout the year, the Captains earned the No. 1 spot in the first South Region rankings released this week by the NCAA. Of course, that comes on the heels of their No. 5 national ranking, which stands as their highest since October, 2007.

Rolling to their 16th straight victory on Wednesday, Christopher Newport pieced together a stunning 13-0 triumph over Wilson at Captains Turf Field. During the contest, Meghan Sullivan and Kelsey Clark became the first teammates to record hat-tricks in the same game in CNU history. Belle Tunstall, Marlene Lichty, and Shelby Judkins also scored twice each, while Lauren Cheatham added her 13th goal of the year.

After Wednesday's performance, CNU is averaging 4.25 goals-per-game, which ranks 12th in the nation. Just as sturdy on the defensive end, the Captains have limited the opposition to just 0.67 goals-per-game, which stands fourth in the NCAA. Along the way, the squad has collected nine shutouts and allowed just 11 goals all season.

The Captains have been led by a well-balanced attack, which features three players with 13 goals. Cheatham, Tunstall, and Clark have all found the back of the cage 13 times, while Tunstall also boasts a team-high 11 assists. Fittingly, the three have combined for 10 game-winning goals this year, and Lichty has chipped in with two others after driving home the clinchers against No. 18 Catholic and No. 7 Salisbury.

Sensational on the defensive end as well, CNU has been led by Bailey Lien, who ranks among the national leaders with a 0.57 goals-against-average and an .862 save percentage. Jordan Snider and Chelsea Hines have also chimed in with five defensive saves apiece.

Sailing into their final regular season home game, the 2013 senior class has established itself as one of the most successful in program history. Clark, Hines, Lichty, Judkins, Snider, Sullivan, Julie Collins, Marcy Hoath, Sarah Smith, and Hilary St. Mary have helped the Captains post a 60-12 record since 2010, which matches the most victories by CNU over a four-year period.

Especially successful during an exciting time in Christopher Newport history, the current seniors have been around for a slew of firsts and memorable moments. In addition to three NCAA Tournament appearances over the past three years, the group has helped CNU post its first victory over a top-five opponent, first-conference victory, largest postseason win, and longest winning streak, which currently stands as the longest active roll in the nation.

Not only have the seniors helped Christopher Newport reach new milestones, but they have also helped the program rewrite the record books. Over the past four years, the 10 standouts have helped the team establish 23 new program records while setting a new standard for success both individually and collectively.

In addition to their record-setting achievements, the 2013 senior class has helped the Captains topple eight ranked opponents during their careers, including four this season. Fittingly, they have earned a spot in the NFHCA National Poll during every week of their careers, including their current No. 5 ranking, which stands as the second highest in program history.

On a bit of a skid lately, York enters the weekend after dropping seven of its last eight decisions. Despite their recent struggles, the Spartans did pick up a crucial 3-2 double-overtime victory against Wesley last Saturday, which puts the squad firmly in the hunt for a CAC playoff berth.

Ranking among the league leaders in saves, Abby Baker has paced the defense with 99 stops this year, including five double-digit save efforts. Nancy Saylor has also chipped in with four defensive saves, and Alyssa Martin has tallied three to stabilize the back line.

Saylor has also contributed five goals and a pair of assists on the offensive end, while Kailey Brewer has a team-high eight goals. Jillian Brezgel and Kirsten Bridgers have found the back of the cage five times apiece as well.

---CNU---