Live Stats / Video

SALISBURY, Md. -- On their way up to Salisbury, Maryland, the 15th-ranked Christopher Newport women's lacrosse team will take on the second-ranked Sea Gulls on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. when the Captains kick off the Regional round of the NCAA Tournament at Sea Gull Stadium.

Having opened postseason play with their first-ever Tournament victory on Wednesday against Sewanee, the Captains enter the second round with an 18-2 record. Salisbury, who advanced with a victory over Cabrini, comes into play with a pristine 19-0 mark.

Tickets for Saturday's showdown are $3 for fans over 18 and $2 for children and students with valid ID. The first day of action will also feature another Regional bout between York (Pa.) and Franklin & Marshall, which will begin at 2:30. The winners of Saturday's two contests will face off in the Regional final on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Helping fans keep track of all the exciting postseason action, Salisbury will run live stats and video through SUSeaGulls.com. A direct link can be found at the top of this page as well as on CNU's schedule.

Entering the second round with some momentum, Christopher Newport posted a commanding 23-6 victory over Sewanee in the first round at Captains Turf Field. The hosts scored at break-necking pace, storming out to a 15-1 halftime lead before easing into the 17-goal victory.

Pacing the potent CNU attack, Ashton Marshall and Jessica Singer both collected four goals, while Elena Obregon added three to go along with a pair of assists. Joining the high fliers, Rachel Tomlinson and Becca Geist also scored three times against the Tigers.

Looking just as strong on the other side of the ball, the dexterous and deft Captain defense forced 19 turnovers, including a game-high five by Kelly Lane. That total not only placed her fifth on the program's all-time single-game list, but it also elevated her season total to 28, which stands as a new school record.

Also looking sharp in their first round game, the Sea Gulls took down Cabrini, 21-1, on their home turf. Lauren Feusahrens guided the squad with four goals, while Ashton Wheatley made seven saves on eight shots to stymie the Cavalier attack.

CNU and Salisbury met earlier this season with the Sea Gulls collecting a 14-7 victory on April 21. Despite the unpleasant bump in the road, the Captains avoided a slump and quickly regrouped with their resounding victory over Sewanee.

Even with the minor setback against SU, there have been plenty of games to be won during the 2013 campaign, and CNU has captured 90 percent of its tilts. Among the team's finest victories, the squad took down 15th-ranked Washington & Lee, 9-8, and upended Adrian, 13-9. Both teams eventually earned Tournament berths.

Soaring to high heights, Christopher Newport has been ranked near the top of several statistical categories throughout the year. The Captains stand second in scoring margin, third in scoring offense, and sixth in scoring defense. CNU has topped all the rest in points as well, boasting an NCAA-leading 550.

Yielding only a touch over six goals per game this year, freshman Hanna Slough has been at the forefront of the squad's defensive dominance. On an individual level, she ranks sixth in the NCAA with a 6.44 goals-against-average. Anchoring the zone with care and great tact, she holds a .480 save percentage and set the program record for victories in a season with 18.

One of the top defenses in the nation, CNU has also benefitted from Lane's record-breaking 28 caused turnovers and Emily Johnson's 26 forced miscues. Stephanie Green, Monica Evans, and Rachel Tomlinson have been lockdown defenders as well throughout the year.

Unbelievable on the offensive end, the Captains have done magical things with the ball throughout the 2013 campaign. Led by Marshall's team-high 74 goals, Christopher Newport has already set single-season records for points (554), goals (356), and assists (194).

Lauren King also boasts 67 draw controls, which stands as a new program record. In addition to her efforts on the draw, the senior standout ranks fourth on the team with 70 points as well. Obregon is second in that category with 80, including 53 goals, while Singer is fourth and Geist is fifth.

Lauren Feusahrens has been the top scorer for Salisbury, notching 55 goals during the year. Katie Bollhorst has been an all-around force, compiling 38 goals and a team-high 54 assists. Bethany Baer has posted 35 goals and 17 helpers as well.

Goalie Ashton Wheatley has been a wall between the pipes, allowing just 5.51 goals-per-game. Meghan Toomey also leads the team with 28 caused turnovers, while Baer has 39 draw controls and 34 ground balls to go along with her offensive numbers.

One of the most anticipated match-ups of the second round, the CNU-Salisbury showdown features a pair of teams ranked in the top-10 nationally in nearly every pertinent statistical category. Along with the Captains' high marks, the Sea Gulls are second in scoring defense, third in scoring margin, ninth in scoring offense, and 10th in points.

---CNU---