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ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- Powered by a strong pitching performance from senior Whitney Haller, and an early three-run homer by junior Kristina McLaughlin, the third-seeded Christopher Newport Captains (29-11) dropped sixth-seeded N.C. Wesleyan (14-19), 6-1. The Captains advance to play second-seeded Piedmont College, after the Lions won, 1-0, in 13 innings in their opener against Greensboro.

McLaughlin's blast was all the offense Haller would need Saturday morning, as she lifted off in the bottom of the first inning. It was her third home run of the season, and came with two runners on after rookie Meagan Jones and junior Kelley Foate both walked. 

Haller, who had struck out a pair in the opening inning, gave up just three singles in the first five innings. In the bottom of the third, senior catcher Chelsea Mitchell added to the lead with a solo home run of her own. She led off the inning with her fifth blast of the year and 24th of her career, ranking third all-time at CNU. 

USA South Player of the Year Sabrina Hill added to the offensive effort for CNU in the fifth, when she singled home a pair of runs to give the Captains a 6-0 edge. Foate singled, followed by a walk from Mitchell setting up the two-RBI knock.

The Bishops ended the shutout bid in the top of the sixth, when sophomore Kendra Hoes led off the inning with a double to right field. She moved up on a wild pitch and scored on a groundout by sophomore Carla Matthews, cutting the lead to 6-1. 

Haller did close out the complete game effort, improving to 16-5 with her sixth complete game of the year. She gave up just four hits and two walks, while striking out seven in the win. 

The Captains are set to take the field for game two, originally scheduled for Noon. The start time was delayed due to CNU's opponent, second-seeded Piedmont, playing a 13-inning opening round game. Tentative start time is set for 1:30 pm, with live stats available at CNUsports.com.