NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- After weather-related issues caused scheduling problems for the Captains this weekend, the 14th-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team will finally kick off its 2016 campaign on Sunday when CNU hosts Goucher at 11 a.m. in the first of two games this week at Captains Turf Field.

Following Sunday's bout against the Gophers, CNU will have a quick turnaround as the squad hosts Oberlin in a 10 a.m. battle on Monday.

A NEW YEAR

After registering a 13-4 record in 2015, the Captains have high expectations for the new year. Ranked 14th in the NFHCA Preseason Coaches Poll, Christopher Newport welcomes back a solid collection of veteran standouts from last season's squad, including a pair of All-Conference performers.

Headlining the veteran contingent, senior Bailey Lien enters her final campaign as the most decorated goalkeeper in program history. A three-time All-State selection and two-time All-Conference pick, she already holds CNU's career records for wins (40) and shutouts (13). Last year, she started all 17 games and compiled a 1.17 goals-against-average and a .769 save percentage.

Helping out on the defensive end, fellow All-Conference performer Brittan Muir pieced together a freshman season for the ages last year. Breaking onto the scene, she was one of only six players at any level of the NCAA to record at least five goals, five assists, and five defensive saves in 2015. For her efforts, she was named the CAC Co-Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the NFHCA All-Region team.

Among a host of other veteran contributors, the Captains welcome back All-State honorees Carol Thompson and Alexa Weaver, who should provide some offensive punch. Thompson led the team with eight goals last year, while Weaver finished second on the squad with 17 points.

SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

Goucher is coming off of a 2015 campaign that saw the program post a 10-6 record, marking the team's most victories since 1995. The Gophers return nine starters from last year's team, including two-time first-team All-Conference selection Lizzie Barminski. The team also welcomes back its entire starting defensive front with All-Landmark honoree Danielle Hallacker leading the way.

Coming into Sunday's showdown, the Gophers already have a game in hand this season after opening the year with a 3-2 overtime setback against Neumann on Thursday. Sophomore Maya Belin registered a pair of goals for Goucher, while Liz Zengel made five saves.

Oberlin opens the year on Saturday at Randolph-Macon before traveling to Newport News on Monday. The Yeowomen also boast a veteran-laden team, which features 12 returners from last year's squad. Maureen Coffey and Ariana Enzerink are back after leading the team in scoring last season, while Maggie Gossiaux returns to anchor the defense between the pipes. Entering her final year, the two-time first-team All-League performer led the NCAA in saves as a sophomore and came back to register 201 stops last season.

SERIES HISTORY

Oberlin will be taking on the Captains for the first time in program history, while Goucher will be battling CNU for just the second time ever. Christopher Newport upended the Gophers, 2-1, during the 2000 campaign.

UP NEXT

Following this week's action, the Captains will hit the road for a pair of games in Danville, Kentucky next week. CNU will take on Centre on September 9 at 7 p.m. before sticking around for a neutral-site tilt against DePauw on September 11 at 10 a.m.

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