Live Stats // Video Stream
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Christopher Newport men's lacrosse team will kick off the 2016 campaign on Thursday at 7 p.m. when CNU hosts Washington & Lee in a non-conference battle at Captains Turf Field.
Under the guidance of interim head coach
Mikey Thompson and assistant coach
Zach Thomas, the Captains will square off with the Generals in the season opener for the fifth consecutive year. Washington & Lee won the first three battles before CNU struck back in 2015 with a 13-9 triumph in Lexington.
For those fans unable to make it to Newport News, live stats and a video stream of the action will be available at CNUsports.com. Direct links can be found at the top of this release and on the CNU schedule page.
A LOOK AT THE CAPTAINS Christopher Newport returns a solid veteran contingent from last year's team, which posted a program-best 11-5 record, including a 6-2 mark in league action.
Brandon Moloney headlines the returners after the senior collected All-Conference and All-State nods last season while leading the team with 53 ground balls and 19 caused turnovers.
CNU also welcomes back three of its five leading scorers as
Will Geise,
Dave Magdeburger, and
Joey Rolando all return for the 2016 campaign. Geise led the squad with 21 assists last year, while Magdeburger finished second with 19 helpers. Rolando added 19 goals and 11 assists as well.
Junior goalie
Matt Hayden and record-setting faceoff specialist
Tony Cruz are also back for another year with the Captains, while
Michael Mabry will help anchor the defense after starting 15 games last season while forcing 10 turnovers.
SCOUTING THE GENERALS Washington & Lee returns five starters from last year's team, which finished 12-7 overall including 6-3 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. The Generals, who were ranked as high as 11th nationally last year, were picked third in the ODAC Preseason Coaches' Poll this season.
Headlining the team's returners will be a pair of reigning honorable mention All-Americans. Buck Armstrong earned national honors after leading Washington & Lee with 58 ground balls and 34 caused turnovers, while Christian Zanetis also received top accolades after collecting 41 points and 25 goals. Senior goalie Wyatt Devine is also back after leading the ODAC and ranking 18th nationally with a 7.17 goals-against-average.
LAST MEETING The Captains kicked off the 2015 campaign with a 13-9 victory over 15th-ranked Washington & Lee at Wilson Field. During that contest,
John Thompson scored five goals and eventually earned CAC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts, while Rolando added four points, including three assists. Hayden also collected nine saves against the Generals, while Moloney picked up five ground balls.
SERIES HISTORY Washington & Lee holds a 3-1 edge in the all-time series with CNU. The Generals posted a victory during the squad's last trip to Newport News after defeating the Captains, 14-6, in 2014.
UP NEXT Following Thursday's bout, Christopher Newport will return to action on February 20 when the team continues its season-opening four-game homestand with a 1 p.m. showdown against Ferrum.
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