NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- On Wednesday night, the Christopher Newport women's soccer team will host St. Mary's College of Maryland for Capital Athletic Conference action at 7:30 pm. The Captains (8-3-2, 4-0-0) will have a tough test as they look to remain undefeated in league play, taking on a Seahawks team that is 6-4-2 overall, 3-1-0 in the CAC.

Under head coach Dan Weiler, the Captains have seen incredible success in their first two years as CAC members. CNU has posted an 11-1-0 overall mark in league play in the Capital Athletic Conference regular season action, but the only loss came in double overtime to the Seahawks last season, 2-1. Looking for redemption on the home field, the Captains boast a 10-2-2 overall record in the friendly confines of Captains Field since Coach Weiler took over. 

This season, the Captains are off to an impressive 4-0 start in league play, led by a strong defensive unit giving up just 13 goals so far this season. A young back line is led by sophomore Sam Rabinek and rookie Kira Warner in the middle, flanked by senior Kelsey Thomas and rookie Carly Melkus. The defense plays in front of either rookie Carly Maglio or sophomore Haley Casanova, splitting time between the pipes almost 50-50 this season, as both have a goals against average right at 1.00. 

Offensively, the Captains build from a talented, veteran midfield that includes juniors Abby Johnson, Lindsay Mondloch and senior Joy Piirto, while a skilled group of underclassmen highlight the attack. Sophomore Victoria Perry has led a potent attack with nine goals and four assists while senior Sarah Perrett (6g) and Piirto (5g, 1a) back up the second-year forward as double figure scorers. 

Like the Captains, St. Mary's (Md.) uses a strong defense to lead the Seahawks success this season, giving up just 12 goals through their first 12 contests. Freshman goalkeeper Sydney Larkin has started all but one game this season, boasting one of the most impressive save percentages in the nation at .899 with 71 stops. She has earned five shutouts and has a goals against average of 0.73 coming into Wednesday's game. Offensively, the Seahawks have managed just 15 goals as a team, with Gillian Sawyer and Lexy McCarty each pouring in three to lead the team. 

Live stats will be available at CNUsports.com/live. The game is being played as part of a doubleheader with the men's teams, who kick off at 5:30 pm. Following Wednesday's tilt, the Captains will remain home for their next game, hosting Marymount University on Saturday, October 18 at 5:00 pm.