NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Christopher Newport University softball season begins this weekend with two doubleheaders, and the Captains learned Friday they are the second pick in the pre-season Capital Athletic Conference poll. The league released its ranking and shows Salisbury as the top selection followed by the Captains, with both schools receiving four first-place votes.
Keith Parr's squad, which has advanced to the last ten NCAA Tournaments, opens the new season on Saturday with a non-conference doubleheader at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. The first game will begin at 1:00 p.m.
The Captains then open the 2017 home schedule on Sunday, hosting the Pacers of William Peace at Captains Park. The twin bill also will start at 1:00 p.m. Sunday's doubleheader will be streamed live at CNUsports.com/live.
Christopher Newport is ranked 16th in the country in the pre-season poll from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
The Captains are coming off a 35-9 record last season, the tenth straight 30-win season as well as tenth consecutive NCAA appearance. Parr is beginning his 14th season leading the Captains.
CNU will be led by a quartet of seniors in 2017. Pitchers
Tara Heatwole and
Maiven McKnight, first baseman
Jenna Sprinkle, and outfielder
Rachael Shiflett all return to provide a strong nucleus for the Captains.Â
CLICK HERE FOR CAC PRE-SEASON RELEASE
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