MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Making the squad's first appearance of the 2013 campaign, the ninth-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team will open up action with a pair of battles this weekend when the Captains square off with Hendrix and Rhodes in Memphis, Tennessee.

After a successful 2012 season, which saw CNU post a 17-2 record, the Captains are looking to kick off the new year in style. The squad will take on Hendrix in a neutral site tilt at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday before battling Rhodes at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Ready to continue the program's streak of seven consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, the Captains welcome back a strong contingent from last year's roster. Leading the way is senior All-American Marlene Lichty, who picked up the national honor last season after starting all 19 games while adding three goals to go along with an outstanding defensive effort.

Christopher Newport will also be helped on the defensive end by fellow fourth-year standouts Shelby Judkins and Chelsea Hines. Both stars picked up All-Virginia honors for their efforts during the year, while Marcy Hoath and Jordan Snider also started every game and helped lift the Captains to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Coming back to anchor the offense, junior Belle Tunstall has been spectacular on the attack for CNU since joining the program. Last season, she secured All-State accolades while leading the team with 35 points. During an incredible performance in the NCAA Tournament, she set a new national postseason record with five assists during Christopher Newport's victory over Gwynedd-Mercy in the first round of the playoffs.

On the other side of the field, Rhodes is also coming off of a successful 2012 season. The Lynx finished the year with a 14-4 record and raced to the Southern Athletic Association championship. Senior All-American Regan McLaughlin returns to add stability to the team's defense, while Rin Palmer and Kat Simpson started every game last year as well. A familiar face will also be on the Rhodes' sideline as former CNU great Breanne Lowe begins her first season as an assistant coach with the Lynx.

Hendrix returns three of its top four scorers from last year's squad, which posted a 6-9 record. Junior Erika Jasso ranked second on the team with four goals in 2012, while Elizabeth Lancaster is also back after leading Hendrix with five helpers. Betsy Kelly returns as well after anchoring the team in the cage. She finished 2012 with a 1.67 goals-against-average and a .728 save percentage.

Next up for the Captains will be a top-20 showdown at No. 13 Lynchburg on September 6. Christopher Newport will take on the Hornets at 7 p.m. before kicking off a five-game homestand against DePauw on September 8.

---CNU---