LYNCHBURG, Va. – Looking to continue the squad's early season roll, the ninth-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team will face a pair of tough tests this weekend as the Captains head to No. 13 Lynchburg on Friday at 7 p.m. before kicking off their home slate against No. 11 DePauw on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Yielding just three goals in their first two games, the Captains have opened the 2013 campaign in style. Entering Friday with a pristine 2-0 record, the squad out-scored its early season opposition 13-3 last weekend with two commanding victories against Hendrix and Rhodes.

Not to be overlooked, Lynchburg and DePauw both boast 1-1 records. The two squads squared off against one another with DePauw posting a 2-1 overtime victory in the season opener on August 30. The following afternoon, Lynchburg took down Wittenberg, 3-0, while the Tigers suffered a 2-1 setback against Centre.

CNU will provide live stats for Sunday's battle with DePauw, while Lynchburg will do the same for Friday's game. Links to all of the live stats are available on Christopher Newport's schedule page.

Hoping to build upon last weekend's success, CNU will continue to rely on its stout defense and fast-paced attack. During the first two games of the year, Taylor Young posted four goals and an assist, which earned her CAC Co-Player of the Week honors. Three other Captains added multi-goal efforts, including Lauren Cheatham who scored three times to go along with an assist.

Dishing out three helpers apiece, Belle Tunstall and Jordan Snider also looked strong last weekend. With her performance, Tunstall moved into a tie for third-place on the program's career assists list with 19. She also stands in the top-10 all-time with 55 points.

Electric on the defensive end as well, Bailey Lien and Julie Collins combined to allow just three goals while making 11 saves. The back line, led by All-Region selection Shelby Judkins, also clamped down on the opposition, allowing just 18 shots. Overall, CNU held a combined 99-18 edge in shots during the first two games of the year.

Playing for the 14th time, Lynchburg and Christopher Newport have a well-established rivalry with the Hornets holding a slim 7-6 lead in the all-time series. Lynchburg is guided by Katie Kline, who scored twice for the squad last weekend. Heather Dodge and Megan McAnally also added one goal apiece, while Jordan Seeley made 10 saves in the cage.

After an incredible run to the Final Four last year, DePauw will be matching wits with the Captains for the first time in program history. During their first two games of the year, the Tigers picked up goals from Chelsea Cutler, Grace Fisher, and Jamie Stoner. Maggie Steele led the way defensively with seven stops in over 152 minutes of action.

Up first for the Tigers on their East Coast swing will be a neutral site bout with Mary Washington before Sunday's tilt. DePauw will face the Eagles at Captains Turf Field on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Washington & Lee will serve as the next test for Christopher Newport after this weekend's top-20 showdowns. Following their battles against Lynchburg and DePauw, the Captains will host the Generals next Saturday at 1 p.m.

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