NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Going into the stretch run of the season, the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse team will look to bounce back from Thursday's setback and cap off its home slate in style when CNU hosts Frostburg State on Sunday at 1 p.m. and Whittier on Monday at 4 p.m. during a pair of key battles at Captains Turf Field.

On Sunday, Christopher Newport will hold its Senior Day festivities. Prior to the game, the squad will honor its four-year standouts during an on-field ceremony. The following day, the Captains will wrap up their regular season home schedule at 4 p.m.

Off to a 1-1 start on their current home stand, the Captains sit at 4-3 overall this season. Frostburg State enters Sunday's showdown with a 4-2 record, while Whittier is currently 3-3. The Poets still have a 4 p.m. contest against Mary Washington on Saturday afternoon before making the trip to Newport News on Monday.

Despite the geographical distance, Monday's game will mark the second meeting between Whittier and CNU. The two programs also squared off in 2009 with the Poets securing a 14-4 victory. Frostburg State and Christopher Newport have not faced each other in men's lacrosse. However, the two teams will begin a conference rivalry next year when the Captains join the Bobcats in the Capital Athletic Conference.

Live stats will be available for both of the upcoming men's lacrosse games. To access them, please visit the schedule page for the direct links.

Ultimately looking to continue their playoff push with two more strong outings, the Captains will need to capitalize on their outstanding defensive presence. Limiting the opposition to under seven goals per game, the squad has also held its opponents to a .200 shooting percentage this year.

CNU standout Andy McGregor has been a dominant presence on the defensive end, recording a .598 save percentage and a stingy 6.55 goals-against-average. Chase Walton, Zakary Burkhard, Brenden Dwyer, and Teddy Pekalski have also forced at least five turnovers apiece to help the team's cause.

Keeping the squad well-balanced with a potent offensive attack, Aaron Chrzaszcz and Alex Barber have combined to scored 27 goals. Barber leads the team with 14, while Chrzaszcz has chipped in with six assists as well.

Simply one of the top facilitators in the country, John Thompson leads the team with 21 assists and 30 points. The sophomore sensation is already among the program's top-five in single-season and career assists.

Equally successful at faceoffs this season, Nick Mandros has won 57 percent of his attempts, while Ari Elgort has been on fire lately. The senior leads the team with 46 faceoff victories, including an exceptional 8-for-10 performance against Ithaca on Thursday.

Nearing the midpoint of the season, Frostburg State has dropped two of its last three games after opening the year on a three-game tear. Spenser Love has been the top offensive force for the Bobcats, scoring 17 goals and a team-high 25 points. Helping out on the offensive end, Chris Rios has 11 assists, while Devin Colegrove has chipped in with 10 helpers.

Impressive at faceoffs, Billy Lark has won 64 percent of his attempts this season and ranks fourth on the team with 19 ground balls. Tyler Haines has led the way in the net for the Bobcats, posting a .619 save percentage and a 7.79 goals-against-average.

On a three-game skid entering the weekend, Whittier opened the year with six straight home bouts before embarking on its current four-game road trip. Maxwell Jones has paced the team's attack, notching 13 goals and adding six assists. Zack Gagnon has also scored 11 times, while Foster Cunningham has tallied a team-best 11 assists.

Really adept on the defensive end, the Poets have surrendered just 8.83 goals-per-game. Jon Cairone has pieced together a .535 save percentage during the year, and Thomas Brook has a team-high 32 caused turnovers. Scott Pescheret has been the squad's faceoff specialist, winning 84 of his 138 opportunities.

Shipping off for the final seven games of the season, Christopher Newport will open its road swing next Saturday against St. Mary's (Md.) at 1 p.m.

---CNU---