NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- After locking up a spot in the upcoming Capital Athletic Conference playoffs, the Christopher Newport field hockey team will wrap up the regular season on Wednesday at 6 p.m. when CNU battles Mary Washington in a key CAC showdown at Captains Turf Field.
 
Entering the regular season finale, the Captains sit at 13-4 overall and 3-2 in league action. Mary Washington is currently 11-4 with a 4-1 mark in conference play. CNU's seeding for the upcoming playoffs is dependent upon the outcome of Wednesday's game. With a win, Christopher Newport would lock up the No. 2 seed and host a semifinal contest on November 2. A loss would assure the Captains of the No. 4 seed and a first-round home game on Sunday.
 
For those fans unable to make it to Wednesday's action, Christopher Newport will provide live stats and a video stream 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
 
Prior to Wednesday's game, the Captains will hold their annual Senior Day celebration. The program will honor the achievements of Bailey Lien and Sarah Miller as well as team manager Marissa Trujillo. Together, they have helped lead the program to a record of 59-17 since 2013, including a pair of regular-season CAC titles.
 
Between the pipes, Lien has pieced together a record-setting stint as the team's goalie over the past four years. During her time in Newport News, she has established program records for career wins (53), shutouts (16), and minutes played (4391), while also ranking in the top-five in games started, saves, and goals-against-average. A three-time first-team All-State selection and a two-time All-Conference pick, she also established a new NCAA record for victories by a freshman after winning 20 games in 2013.
 
Miller has also been a key contributor on both sides of the field during the course of her career. Appearing in 57 games with 34 starts, she ranks third in CNU history with 10 defensive saves. Her six stops this year are also tied for the fifth-most in a single-season in program history while ranking among the top-20 nationally in 2016. Along with her work on the back line, she has also contributed 12 points, including five goals and three game-winners.
 
LAST TIME OUT
 
On Sunday, Christopher Newport registered its eighth shutout of the season with a 3-0 triumph at Frostburg State. During the game, Josie Morgan scored a pair of goals for the Captains, while Rachel Cooke added her third in the past four contests. Dominant on the defensive end as well, CNU surrendered just one off-target shot during the game. The team has allowed five or fewer shots in seven contests this year.
 
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
 
Mary Washington enters Wednesday on a five-game winning streak and has won each of its last three games by at least four goals. The Eagles have been one of the nation's top offensive teams throughout the year and currently rank second in the NCAA with a 4.60 goals-per-game average. The team also ranks in the top-10 in points-per-game, scoring average, and scoring margin.
 
On an individual level, Lauren Hopkins stands 20th in the NCAA with a 2.60 points-per-game average. She currently leads the CAC with 39 points and 11 assists, while her 14 goals are tied for second in the league. Meanwhile, Christine Loehr is third in the conference with 33 points, while Allegra Massey-Elim is fifth with 26. On the defensive side, Jessica Cavolt is third in the league with a .727 save percentage and a 1.60 goals-against-average.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
CNU and Mary Washington have met 16 times with the Captains holding an 11-5 edge in the all-time series. Last year, Christopher Newport registered a 2-1 victory in Fredericksburg, including goals by Alexa Weaver and Rachael Allshouse.
 
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