RALEIGH, N.C. – Christopher Newport opened the 2017 softball season on Saturday, splitting a non-conference doubleheader at Meredith College. The 16^th-ranked Captains lost the opener, 5-4, and then posted a 4-0 victory in the nightcap.
 
The Captains, 35-9 a year ago, fell behind 5-1 in the first game and fell short in their comeback bid. Senior starter Tara Heatwole allowed five runs, four earned, over the first three innings and took the loss. Fellow Senior Maiven McKnight threw three shutout innings in relief.
 
In the nightcap, freshman starter Aubrey Bates took command as CNU charged to a 4-0 shutout victory. Bates went the distance, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out five. She faced just 25 batters in her first appearance in the circle for the Captains.
 
Another freshman, Calah Savage, smacked home runs in each game for CNU. Savage, who caught the opener and was the designated hitter in game two, posted a two-run shot in the first game and then a solo blast in the nightcap.
 
Senior first baseman Jenna Sprinkle went four-for-seven in the twin bill, recording three singles in three trips to the plate in the opener and another single in four at bats in game two.  
 
Keith Parr's squad opens the home schedule on Sunday at Captains Park. CNU hosts William Peace in a 1:00 p.m. non-conference twin bill.