Live Stats // Live Video

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Christopher Newport field hockey team caps off a three-game homestand on Friday when the squad hosts Wesley in a Capital Athletic Conference clash at 6 p.m. at Captains Turf Field before heading off to St. Anne's-Belfield in Charlottesville for a neutral-site battle against Rhodes on Sunday at 3 p.m.
 
Entering Friday's contest, CNU sits at 10-3 on the season, including 1-1 in league action. Wesley enters the game at 4-11 overall and 1-1 in the CAC. Meanwhile, Rhodes comes into the weekend at 11-1 on the year. The Lynx will face Ferrum on Saturday before battling the Captains.
 
For those fans unable to make it to the games, live stats will be available for both contests. A video stream of Friday's action will also be provided at CNUsports.com. Direct links to both features can be found at the top of this release and on the CNU schedule page.
 
A LOOK AT THE CAPTAINS
 
After registering their sixth shutout of the season on Wednesday, the Captains jumped to fifth nationally in goals-against-average with a 0.69 mark. The team's six shutouts are also tied for the fifth most in the country, and CNU's .842 save percentage is the seventh-best in the NCAA. On an individual level, Bailey Lien ranks eighth nationally with a 0.77 goals-against-average, while Sarah Miller is 13th with six defensive saves.
 
On the other end of the field, Rachael Allshouse has been putting together a breakout sophomore campaign. The second-year star has driven home 12 goals, which ranks as the most by a Captain since 2013 and the second-highest total by a sophomore in program history. Along with Allshouse, Abby Cryts and Madison Doss have five strikes apiece, while Josie Morgan ranks second on the squad with 13 points and boasts a team-high five assists.
 
LAST TIME OUT
 
On Wednesday, Christopher Newport posted its first CAC victory of the season with a 7-0 triumph over St. Mary's (Md.). During the contest, Lien made three saves to earn the win, which marked her 50th career victory. She is currently one of only four active players at any level of the NCAA with 50 career wins. She also ranks 10th in the NCAA among active players with an .814 save percentage and 11th with a 0.97 goals-against-average.
 
Offensively against the Seahawks, Allshouse notched her first career hat-trick, while Bailey Miller contributed a pair of goals. Morgan also added two assists as seven different players recorded at least one point against St. Mary's.
 
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
 
Wesley enters Friday on a three-game tear, including a 1-0 victory at Shenandoah on Tuesday. The Wolverines have been anchored by a strong defensive unit, which ranks fourth in the NCAA in defensive saves. Morgan Seymour currently boasts an NCAA-high 14 defensive stops. Between the pipes, the team has started three different goalies, including Makenzie McIntyre, who has registered shutouts during the last two contests. Offensively, Lauren Niezgoda has a team-high five goals, four assists, and 14 points.
 
Rhodes comes into the weekend on an eight-game winning streak, which has included three shutouts. The Lynx have been incredibly successful at drawing corners this year as the squad is averaging 12.58 per contest, which ranks 10th in the NCAA. Christina DiFelice has led the team offensively with seven goals and four assists, while Lizzie Wood and Mackenzie Busby have five strikes apiece. Defensively, Laura Eckelkamp has compiled a .789 save percentage and a 1.25 goals-against-average. Both of those rank among the top-40 nationally.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
CNU and Wesley have met nine times with the Captains holding an 8-1 edge in the all-time series. Last year, Christopher Newport recorded a 5-1 victory in Dover, bolstered by a three-point outing by Alexa Weaver.
 
Rhodes and CNU have faced off six times with the Captains sporting a 6-0 record in the series. Last year, Christopher Newport posted a 2-0 victory in Salem, Virginia behind a pair of first-half goals from Weaver and Doss.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following this week's action, Christopher Newport will head to Maryland for a 6 p.m. battle with No. 3 Salisbury on October 19.
 
---CNU---