NEWPORT NEWS, Va.- The Christopher Newport University softball team will open the 2016 season on Tuesday, hosting William Peace University at Captains Park. The game time for the start of the non-conference doubleheader has been changed to 4 PM
CNU is ranked 12th in the country in the pre-season poll from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
The 2016 season promises to be another exciting one for the Captains. CNU was 30-9 last year, and will look to again be dominant in Capital Athletic Conference play as well as non-conference action.
Keith Parr is beginning his 13th season guiding the Captains, and has led CNU to an amazing run of success. Christopher Newport has reached the NCAA Tournament nine straight seasons, including an automatic berth last year after winning the Capital Athletic Conference tournament championship for the second straight year. CNU again returns a strong nucleus of experienced players and will likely again feature a high-scoring lineup. While there appears to be several options for Coach Parr to fill the void left by
Sabrina Hill at first base and in the middle of the batting order, the rest of the lineup returns.
Christopher Newport has a strong senior class, featuring rightfielder
Scoop Simon and centerfielder
Meagan Jones, second baseman
Tori Clarke, catcher
Hannah Cook, and lefthanded starting pitcher
Hanah Marshall. Returning junior leftfielder
Rachael Shiflett and sophomores
Brittney Walters (third base) and
Rachael Payne (shortstop) have seen plenty of action and will look to continue their successful careers in 2016.
Fans attending Tuesday's doubleheader will immediately notice dramatic changes to Captains Park, the home of CNU softball. The facility now features more chairback seating, lights, improved walkways, dugout areas, and an enclosed press box.
