NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 16th-ranked Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team will kick off a four-game home stand this weekend when CNU invites Methodist and Meredith to town for a pair of USA South bouts beginning on Saturday at Captains Turf Field.

After a modest two-game road trip, Christopher Newport will kick off its home stretch with a 3 p.m. battle against Methodist on Saturday. Less than 24 hours later, the squad will return to the field for a 1 p.m. contest against Meredith.

Keeping with the tradition started last year, the Captains will hold their second annual Debbie Cale Classic on Saturday. Held in honor of Debbie Cale, the mother of CNU field hockey alumnae Kylie Cale, the game is meant to promote education and raise awareness and funds for the fight against ovarian cancer. Debbie lost a two-year battle with the disease in October, 2011.

Entering the weekend on an eight-game winning streak, Christopher Newport currently boasts an 8-1 record, including a pristine 3-0 mark in USA South action. Methodist is currently 1-6 overall and 1-3 in conference play. Meredith is 4-6 with a 3-3 record in the league.

During the weekend, live stats will be available for both games. Fans can follow along with the action through CNUsports.com.

On a tear lately, Ashton Marshall currently leads the nation with 40 goals this season. She also ranks second in the NCAA with 48 points. In her last appearance, the junior matched her season-high with eight points after collecting five goals and three helpers. Overall, she has netted at least two goals in every game.

With Marshall leading the way, CNU ranks among the top-30 nationally in scoring offense and scoring margin. The team's 209 points this season also stands as the second-highest total in the country, trailing only Ferrum by two.

Not to be overlooked, Elena Obregon and Lauren King also rank among the top-50 nationally in points, while King sits 20th with 14 assists. Obregon stands second on the team and 42nd in the NCAA with 21 goals as well.

Continuing her outstanding freshman campaign, Hanna Slough has been the team's top defensive stalwart, boasting 52 saves and a 7.30 goals-against-average. Currently, she ranks among the finest goalies in the nation in both of those categories.

After picking up the team's first win of the season on Wednesday, Methodist will look to continue its upward swing this weekend. The Monarchs have been led offensively by Hope Motahari, who leads the way with 21 goals. Cassie Walter also had a spectacular effort in the team's win over NC Wesleyan, collecting six goals and four assists.

Netminder Ashley Cannon has led the Methodist defense, notching 51 saves this year. Walter also has a team-best 10 caused turnovers, while Motahari has forced seven as well.

Coming into the weekend on a minor two-game skid, Meredith sits sixth in the USA South standings with a 3-3 conference mark. Freshman Katie Burnet leads the team with 34 goals and 15 assists, while Lottie Meadows stands second on the squad with 38 points.

Eliza Evans has also been a solid contributor for the Avenging Angels this year, notching 29 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers. Andie Stuber has also been stout in goal for Meredith, collecting 65 saves to go along with a 10.78 goals-against-average.

Remaining at home for two more games after this weekend, Christopher Newport will host LaGrange next Friday at 2:30 p.m. before wrapping up against Piedmont on Saturday at 1 p.m. Senior Day festivities will be held prior to the home finale against the Lions.

--CNU--