NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the first time in 2013, the eighth-ranked Christopher Newport softball team will head out on the diamond as the Captains make their season debut on Sunday when the squad kicks off a doubleheader against Virginia Wesleyan at 1 p.m. at Captains Park.

Over nine months have elapsed since CNU wrapped up its 2012 campaign with an impressive 37-11 record and the team's sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. Virginia Wesleyan, who was selected as the preseason favorites in the ODAC this season, currently sports a 2-0 record entering Sunday's contest.

Rivals since 1985, CNU and Virginia Wesleyan have squared off 64 times with the Marlins holding a 35-29 lead in the all-time series. Last season, the Captains swept a doubleheader, 14-6 and 5-2, in Virginia Beach. During the two contests, Chelsea Mitchell and Jennifer Falin each recorded five hits and a home run to pace the CNU offense.

For those fans unable to make it out to Captains Park on Sunday, live stats will be streamed through CNUsports.com.

Returning a veteran-laden roster in 2013, Christopher Newport will count on an experienced rotation and lineup to carry the squad this season. The Captains return USA South Player and Rookie of the Year Sabrina Hill, who led the team offensively last year with a .405 batting average. She also drove in 55 runs and clubbed nine bombs during her first collegiate campaign.

Adding additional pop to the lineup will be Mitchell, who launched seven home runs and hit .403 last season. Kristina McLaughlin, Kelley Foate, and Kristen Olsen are all back as well after hitting above .300 while guiding Christopher Newport to its fourth straight NCAA Regional Championship appearance.

Not to be overlooked, the Captains also welcome back their entire rotation from last season. Whitney Haller led CNU with a 16-5 record and a 1.60 ERA, while Krista Townsend ranked second with nine wins and eight complete games. Melanie Hazelwood and Elizabeth Holte also chimed in with a pair of shutouts each last year.

Coming off of a doubleheader sweep against Meredith last weekend, Virginia Wesleyan enters Sunday's twin bill with some momentum. The Marlins upended the Avenging Angels, 8-2 and 11-1, on February 16. Tori Higginbotham and Lindsey Inzana both went deep for Virginia Wesleyan, while Kelly Keys and Taylor Galvin each posted four hits and combined to knock in seven runs.

In addition to the team's offensive exploits, the Marlins also received some outstanding pitching performances. Kristina Karagiorgis and Mackenzie Creech each picked up a victory and did not surrender an earned run while tossing five innings apiece. Karagiorgis also struck out 10 during her time on the hill.

Starting next Friday, Christopher Newport will hit the road for the two-day Beach Blast in Virginia Beach. The Captains will take on Eastern Mennonite and Allegheny during the first day of action before wrapping up with a doubleheader against Randolph Macon and Old Westbury on Saturday.

---CNU---