NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Off to one of the finest starts through seven games in program history, the Christopher Newport women's soccer team will face its stiffest test yet on Thursday, as they travel to 11th-ranked Lynchburg College (8-1-0). The Hornets and Captains (5-1-1) will kick-off at 4:00 pm, with live stats and live video available at CNUsports.com. 

CNU is unbeaten in its last four games, going 3-0-1 and receiving votes in the national polls. Along the way, the Captains defeated then 20th-ranked Virginia Wesleyan, 2-0 and are currently riding a three game winning streak. The defense has led the way, shutting out four opponents so far this year, allowing just five goals in the first seven games. 

Rookie goalkeeper Haley Casanova has played every minute between the pipes, with 30 saves and an .857 save percentage. She has lowered her goals against average to 0.69 and has helped lead a CNU defense that includes rookie Sam Rabinek, sophomore Abby Johnson and juniors Erin O'Shaughnessy and Kelsey Thomas. The back line has held opponents to just 11.1 shots per game, and just 5.0 shots on-goal per game. 

Offensively, CNU has been led by all-time leading scorer Emma O'Reilly. The senior forward broke the all-time scoring record earlier this season and has seven goals already this year. Fellow senior Bupe Okeowo has added three goals and an assist while rookie Victoria Perry, reigning CAC Player of the Week, has added one goal and three assists.

Lynchburg is a perennial power in the South Region and consistent national presence in the women's soccer scene. Under head coach Dr. Todd Olsen, the Hornets have advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 13 of the last 16 seasons reaching the Sweet 16 six times and the Final Four once. 

This season, the Hornets have raced out to a hot start, going 8-1 in their first nine games. The only blemish a 3-1 loss at top-ten ranked foe Emory University, the Hornets are outscoring opponents 29-12 this season. Averaging over three goals per game, Lynchburg has gotten six scoring strikes from three different players this year: senior Angela Bosco, sophomore Morgan Singer and junior Dessi Dupuy. 

The game will be presented in a live video webcast and live stats will also be available with links found at CNUsports.com or Lynchburg's athletics website at athletics.lynchburg.edu. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm.