NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - On a spring-like day Sunday at Captains Park, the Christopher Newport softball team opened its home schedule by beating William Peace University twice in non-conference action. The Captains, ranked 16th in the nation, recorded victories by scores of 8-2 and 6-1 over the Pacers.

Senior starting pitchers Tara Heatwole and Maiven McKnight each recorded victories on a sun-drenched 70-degree afternoon. Heatwole took the circle in the opener, and McKnight in the nightcap and both were dominant for CNU. Heatwole allowed just one unearned run and four hits in six innings of work to even her record at 1-1, while McKnight went the distance allowing just one run on six hits. She is now 1-0.

The Captains enjoyed the third innings of both games Sunday, plating five runs in the third in the opener and then four in the third frame of the second game. Christopher Newport never trailed in either game.

Junior Rachael Payne, CNU's shortstop, had four hits in the twin bill, going four-for-seven with four runs scored. Freshman second baseman Grace Wild enjoyed a three-for-four day at the plate with four runs batted in, and fellow freshman Calah Savage, catching the opener and serving as designated player in the nightcap, went four-for-five with one RBI. Sophomore Nicole Killen, who caught the second game, hit the Captains only home run of the day, a two-run shot in the big third inning.

CNU is now 3-1 on the season, after splitting two games at Meredith to open the season on Saturday. William Peace fell to 2-4 on the season.

The Captains travel to Cary, North Carolina, next weekend for the Grand Slam Triangle Classic. CNU will play two games Saturday, facing Greensboro and then Piedmont, and follow with two more games Sunday vs. Hood and Salem.