NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the first time in program history, the third-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team will contend for a Capital Athletic Conference championship as CNU hosts No. 8 Salisbury in the title bout on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Captains Turf Field.

On a 19-game winning streak, Christopher Newport enters the game with a pristine 19-0 record, while Salisbury comes in at 13-3. CNU earned the top seed in the playoffs after capping off its conference slate with a perfect 6-0 mark, while the Sea Gulls grabbed the second spot with a 5-1 record.

Rivals for the past 12 years, CNU and Salisbury have matched wits 14 times with SU holding an 11-3 lead in the series. Christopher Newport did win the most recent contest after topping the Sea Gulls, 3-2, on October 16. They have met once previously in postseason action with the Captains collecting a 2-1 overtime victory during the 2006 NCAA Tournament.

Tickets for Saturday's action are $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Christopher Newport University students will be admitted free with a valid ID.

Having wrapped up the regular season with an undefeated record for the first time in program history, CNU kicked off the postseason with another victory after taking down Wesley, 2-1, in the CAC semifinals on Wednesday. Belle Tunstall scored both of the goals, including the clincher in double-overtime to send the Captains into the title bout.

Effective throughout the year, Tunstall leads Christopher Newport with 18 goals and 11 assists, which both rank third on the program's single-season list. She has been helped on the offensive end by Lauren Cheatham and Kelsey Clark, who both have 13 goals apiece. Shelby Judkins has also found the back of the cage nine times, while Marlene Lichty has seven to go along with four assists.

Ranked among the national leaders in goals-against-average and save percentage, Bailey Lien has been outstanding in the cage for the Captains. Overall, she has helped the squad post nine shutouts, while Jordan Snider and Chelsea Hines each have five defensive saves.

In the midst of a four-game winning streak, Salisbury advanced to the title bout following a 2-1 victory over Mary Washington in the semifinals. Courtney Jantzen scored both goals for the Sea Gulls, while Amanda Cooper and
Samantha Johnson each tallied assists.

Near the top of the national rankings in several categories, Salisbury leads the NCAA with a 0.67 goals-against-average and ranks third in save percentage and scoring margin. The Sea Gulls also boast the country's 10th ranked scoring offense, which has produced 4.27 goals-per-game.

Guiding the team's defensive efforts, Rachel Clewer has a 0.68 goals-against-average and an .818 save percentage. Jantzen has been the team's leading scorer with 14 goals this year, while Yumi Kim sits second with 11. Johnson has produced 11 assists during the year as well.

---CNU---