BUENA VISTA, Va. - Senior quarterback K.J. Kearney threw for four first half scores as Christopher Newport opened the season with a 45-17 victory Saturday night at Southern Virginia University. The New Jersey Athletic Conference triumph served as Art Link's head coaching debut, as Link succeeded Matt Kelchner following 16 seasons and 169 games on the sideline.

"it's a great feeling to get a win and good to get on the field in a game that means something after a long training camp," Link said following the rain-soaked victory. "We had a few lapses here and there, but overall I think it's a great start."

Kearney, who completed 34 of 39 passes for 308 yards, connected for scores with four different receivers in the opening half as the Captains built a 28-7 lead at intermission. The first team All-Conference selection from a year ago did not throw an interception.

"You can't ask for much more than that from your quarterback," Link continued. "K.J. got us going in the first half and made some great passes. His decision making was also good, he didn't make many mistakes out there"

CNU jumped to an early lead, driving 77 yards on 11 plays on its opening possession of the night. The drive culminated with a scoring pass from Kearney to senior Khiry Weaver to give the Captains a 6-0 edge. After Southern Virginia scored to briefly to take a 7-6 lead, Kearney would later connect with senior Austin Hall, freshman Brett McDonald and senior Danny Mattson on scoring strikes to build the 21-point lead at the half.

Freshmen took over the scoring after the intermission for the Captains. Kicker Ben Garbarini converted on a 26-yard field goal and running back Taige Brown scored on a 9-yard scamper as CNU pushed the lead to 38-7.

Senior B.J. Hill put the finishing touches on the triumph with a fourth quarter interception return of 30 yards as the Captains closed out the 28-point victory by clearing the bench.

The win was the third in as many meetings with the Knights in the series, and came in front of a crowd of 850 at the soggy Fields of Southern Virginia.

The Captains will play their only non-conference game of the season next Saturday, hosting Hampden-Sydney. Kickoff at POMOCO Stadium for the home opener is set for 6:00 p.m.