NEWPORT NEWS, Va.- The Christopher Newport softball squad begins the 2014 season this weekend, and the coaches of the Capital Athletic Conference have picked the Captains to finish second in the league standings. The pre-season coaches poll was announced earlier this week by the CAC office.

CNU picked up 43 points, second only to Salisbury's 49. The Sea Gulls have won the Capital Athletic Conference softball championship for a remarkable 17 straight seasons, and Salisbury is ranked third in the country.

Keith Parr's Christopher Newport squad has advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last seven seasons. Parr is  beginning his 11th season guiding the Captains, who are tied for #17 in the nation in the NFCA preseason poll.  CNU is coming off an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament last year after winning the USA South conference tournament championship.  

Offensively, CNU will look to be very strong this season, returning all but one key starter in the lineup.  Two-time USA South Player of the Year Sabrina Hill headlines a veteran group returning.  After just two seasons at CNU, Hill ranks fourth in career home runs, with 20, and batting average, with a .403 mark,  and in the top ten in career RBI, with 113.  Four seniors will be a factor in the starting lineup as well, providing Parr with a lot of experience at the top of lineup.  Outfielders Kelley Foate and Kristina McLaughlin and infielders Candice Zollars and Taylor Dillow all hit .329 or better last season, combining for 106 RBI and 115 runs scored.  Sophomores Alexis Pope and Meagan Jones will also return to the field for CNU after successful rookie campaigns.  In all, Parr returns four All-Region selections in Hill, Foate, Pope and McLaughlin. 

Among the biggest hurdles for success this season will be replacing four senior pitchers from last year's squad. Returners Hanah Marshall and Krista Lewis, in addition to rookie Makayla Jenkins will look to fill the pitching circle this season.

The Captains open the 2014 season on Sunday at Virginia Wesleyan. The noon doubleheader in Virginia Beach against the Marlins has been selected as key games to watch this weekend by the NFCA.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CAC PRE-SEASON POLL