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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the first time in program history, the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse team picked up votes in the USILA National Coaches' Poll and will face another big test on Wednesday evening as CNU battles 14th-ranked Mary Washington in a Capital Athletic Conference showdown at 7 p.m. at Captains Turf Field.

The Captains, who sit just outside of the top-20, earned votes for the first time in program history after winning a pair of games last week, including an 8-7 overtime triumph against No. 2 Salisbury. Bolstered by those two wins, CNU enters Wednesday's action with a 9-2 record, including a 3-1 mark in conference action.

Mary Washington, who has been a mainstay in the top-20 throughout the season, currently sits at 9-2 with a 1-2 mark in CAC play. The Eagles have won two straight, including a 13-8 victory over defending CAC champ St. Mary's on April 2.

Overall, CNU and Mary Washington have battled seven times with the Eagles holding a 6-1 lead in the all-time series. UMW escaped Newport News last year with a 10-9 victory. CNU's win came in 2011 when the squad recorded in 9-8 triumph at Captains Turf Field.

Entering Wednesday on a two-game roll, Christopher Newport has benefited from outstanding play on defense, led by freshman goalie Matt Hayden. Honored as the CAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Hayden has compiled a .539 save percentage and a 7.71 goals-against-average. Starting all 11 games, he has a 9-2 record, which marks the most victories in a single-season in CNU history.

Helping out on the defensive end, Brenden Dwyer leads the squad with 24 caused turnovers, while Teddy Pekalski and Steven West have 20 apiece. Michael Mabry and Brandon Moloney have also been stalwarts along the back line, while Adam Abbate has 12 caused turnovers on the midfield unit.

On the offensive end, Aaron Chrzaszcz leads the team with 20 goals, while Brooks Billings has 24 points. Abbate has been the top facilitator with 12 assists to go along with 11 goals. Joey Rolando and Randy Foster have scored 13 times apiece as well.

Mary Washington has been led by John Bohlinger, who ranks among the top-five in the CAC with 28 goals, 18 assists, and 46 points. Not to be outdone, Luke Dick has also scored 27 times, while Billy Kelly has 16 helpers. Overall, seven Eagles have at least 10 points and four have more than 20.

On the defensive side, Zack Delgrosso leads the way with a .567 save percentage and a 7.23 goals-against-average. Charlie Webb has also been tough on the back end, causing 12 turnovers while scooping up 30 ground balls.

---CNU---