NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The quest for the program's first Capital Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Championship begins on Wednesday night, as the top-seeded Christopher Newport Captains host #4 seed Mary Washington at 6:00 pm. The CAC Semifinal matchup will feature the Captains, with a 14-2-1 overall record, hosting the Eagles, at 11-5-2, with a berth into the 2016 CAC Championship Game on the line. Live stats and a live video webcast will be available at kickoff from Captains Field.

The Wednesday evening tilt serves as a conference tournament rematch for the Captains and Eagles, who battled in the 2015 semifinals as well. Last year, Mary Washington slipped past the top-seeded CNU squad, 1-0, before falling to sixth-seeded York (Pa.) in double overtime during the championship bout. This year, the two teams locked into another tight matchup before CNU escaped with a 1-0 win courtesy of a late goal in the first half by Gabby Gillis. 

The other semifinal matchup features second-seeded Frostburg State hosting the third-seeded St. Mary's College of Maryland, also at 6:00 pm. The two winning teams will play at the home site of the highest seed remaining on Saturday, November 5, with game time to be determined by the hosts. 

Ticket prices for the Captains home game against Mary Washington are $5 for adults and $3 for children, cash only. CNU students will be admitted free with a valid ID. 

Heading into Wednesday's contest, the Christopher Newport women's soccer team will be looking earn its second CAC Championship berth in four seasons with the league, and hopes to add to its overall resume for postseason consideration. In this week's NSCAA Regional Rankings, the Captains checked in at No. 8 in the South Atlantic region after defeating Marymount University, 5-0, in the regular season finale. 

Defensively, the Captains are among the nation's top 20 teams, statistically, holding opponents to 0.41 goals against average, ranking 20th in the country, while the team ranks 19th nationally in save percentage (.899). A talented back line includes this week's CAC Defensive Player of the Week, Keiley McCarthy, along with fellow freshman Shaye Doherty on the outside. Juniors Danielle Pratt and Kira Warner have done most of the work on the inside, while playing in front of junior goalkeeper Carly Maglio. Maglio has played every minute in goal for the Captains this season, ranking 21st nationally in GAA and save percentage, while leading the league. 

On the offensive end, senior All-Region forward Victoria Perry has led one of the most dangerous attacks in program history, scoring 25 points on eight goals and nine assists. All but five CNU field players have scored at least one point this season, providing Perry with plenty of support in her final campaign, including four players in double figure scoring heading into Wednesday's game. 

As a team, the Captains have outscored opponents 51-7, including a 33-3 disparity in conference play. Maglio has a 0.33 goals-against average against CAC opponents with six shutouts in nine games played. 

Mary Washington will be looking for the program's third straight CAC title game appearance for the first time since 2007-09, while also seeking to capture its first crown since 2009. The Eagles shut out York (Pa.), 2-0, in the opening round of the tournament and come into Wednesday's game riding a four-game unbeaten streak. 

Mary Washington has gotten double figure scoring from three players, including senior Maryfay Jackson (7g, 2a), sophomore Christiana Meyers (3g, 4a), and sophomore Allye Reynolds (4g, 4a). The trio leads an offensive charge averaging 2.17 goals per game. Behind CNU, the Eagles boast the toughest defense in the league, with a 0.68 goals-against average overall. Sophomore Haley Randall and senior Sara Armor have split time in goal, with nine shutouts combined.