NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Taking the courts for the first time in program history as a nationally-ranked team, Christopher Newport women's tennis will host a battle for first place in the Capital Athletic Conference on Saturday, as they host 20th-ranked Mary Washington (12-6, 5-0) at 1:00 pm. The 40th-ranked Captains (12-4, 5-0) will close out their home regular season schedule with the top of the league clash, looking to add to their seven-match win streak against Division III opponents.
CNU and Mary Washington have both clinched a berth in the 2015 CAC Tournament, set to begin on April 19, but seeding has yet to be determined. With four teams within one game of first place, and five teams set to play, the 2015 postseason is shaping up to be a thrilling affair.
Heading into the final two matches of the regular season, the youth of Christopher Newport continues to impress. They will take on a veteran Mary Washington squad that normally starts three juniors and one senior in their top six. The Eagles are 3-3 over the last six matches, with three losses to nationally-ranked opponents.
The Captains have won 75% of their doubles matches this year, led by rookie
Alexandra Drye, who has combined to go 15-1 with two different partners. While playing with
Logan Eldridge, she delivered a 9-1 mark at No. 3 doubles, and with fellow rookie
McKinney Harwood, a perfect 6-0 mark between No. 1 and 2 doubles. With a 4-1 record at No. 1 doubles,
Katie Carlson and
Kate Huck have moved into the Atlantic South Region rankings at No. 12. Harwood is ranked 14th in the region in singles play.
Mary Washington has won 11 straight conference championships, and 22 of the 24 ever awarded by the Capital Athletic Conference. This season, the team has been led by Chrissy Gaul with 12 singles victories, including a 7-0 mark at No. 3. In doubles, six different tandems have combined for a 13-5 overall record.
Follow @CNUTennis on Twitter for updates during the match, and check back to CNUsports.com for a full recap and scores following the action.
