NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Keeping the squad's early-season roll going with a dominant performance on Monday, the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse team will look to keep its momentum intact during one of its toughest tests so far when CNU hosts Ithaca on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Captains Turf Field.

Looking to extend their two-game roll, the Captains enter the match-up with a 4-2 record. Ithaca comes into play with a pristine 3-0 mark, including an 11-6 victory over Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday. With their strong start to the year, the Bombers are currently receiving votes in the USILA National Coaches' Poll.

Ithaca and Christopher Newport have only met once in history with the Bombers securing a 13-3 victory last season. Current standouts Adam Abbate, Kyle Pasta, and Chase Walton all scored in that game, while Andy McGregor made 13 saves.

Now available on CNUsports.com, live stats will be streamed during tomorrow's contest to help fans keep track of the action.

Electric on the offensive end and suffocating on defense, Christopher Newport has gotten off to a great start in 2013. Currently, the Captains stand 31st in the nation in scoring defense, holding their opponents to a measly 6.6 goals per game. The squad has also been forcing nearly 10 turnovers per game and limiting the opposition to a .202 shooting percentage.

CNU has been equally strong on offense, scoring an average of 9.8 goals per contest. The team has been especially potent in man-up situations, converting 55 percent of their opportunities. That rate currently ranks seventh in the nation.

On one of the finest streaks in Captains history, John Thompson has been nothing short of spectacular through six games this season. He already has 21 assists, which ranks in the top-five nationally and equals the single-season program record. While serving as the team's chief facilitator, he also has chipped in with eight goals for a team-best 29 points.

Offensively, Aaron Chrzaszcz and Alex Barber have also been stellar throughout the year. Both standouts currently have 13 goals and at least four assists. Barber has been especially hot lately, scoring six times against FDU-Florham after posting the game-winner in overtime against Hampden-Sydney.

Performing well on faceoffs this season, Nick Mandros has won 60 percent of his attempts after going 25-for-42. In addition to the freshman star, Ari Elgort leads the team with 38 faceoff wins in 79 opportunities.

Especially stout on defense, Brenden Dwyer leads CNU with eight caused turnovers while also collecting 13 ground balls. Teddy Pekalski has also forced seven turnovers this season. Overall, Christopher Newport has caused 59 miscues by its opposition.

Ranking among the top-100 nationally in goals-against-average and save percentage, Andy McGregor has also been a stalwart in the net for CNU. In just over 315 minutes of action, he has 47 saves and a stifling 6.28 goals-per-game average. Mark Hargrove also has eight stops in relief for the Captains.

Coming off of a decisive win against Virginia Wesleyan, Ithaca enters Thursday's action on a three-game roll. Against the Marlins, four Bombers scored twice as Connor Lowe, Joe Perkins, James Manilla, and Steve Danylyshyn all collected two goals. Andrew Kristy also scored once and added a pair of assists.

Lowe now leads Ithaca with seven goals, while Perkins has five to go along with two assists. Overall, the team's potent offensive attack has averaged 11 goals per game so far this season.

Anchoring the defense, Adam Wacenske entered the week ranked among the top-20 nationally in caused-turnovers-per-game, while Eli Gobrecht and Jimmy Ryan have also forced a pair in the early going. Andrew Kristy also leads the team with 13 ground balls, including a career-high six against Virginia Wesleyan.

Splitting the faceoff duties, Brandon Henne and Matt Greenblatt have both won over 50 percent of their duals this season. Greenblatt led the way against the Marlins, securing seven of his 13 attempts. Freshman goalie Scott Sidnam has been effective in the net as well for Ithaca, notching 20 saves this season. He has also held his opponents to a 5.67 goals-against-average.

Home games will continue to dot the upcoming schedule for Christopher Newport as the Captains welcome Frostburg State to town on Sunday at 1 p.m. before hosting Whittier in their home finale on Monday at 4 p.m.

---CNU---