NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The final non-conference game of the year for the nationally-ranked Christopher Newport women's soccer team is set for Monday night at 7:30 pm, as the Captains host Virginia Wesleyan University at Captains Field. CNU will look to continue it's strong start with an 8-1-0 overall record, while the Marlins come into the contest with a 6-2-1 overall mark.
The matchup was billed in the preseason as a top 25 showdown between the cross-water rivals. Since then, the Captains have remained in the national rankings, listed as high as No. 15 by D3soccer.com currently. For fans who are unable to attend the game, live stats and a live video webcast will be available at CNUsports.com.
The all-time series favors the Marlins, as the Captains are just 6-12-2 all-time against Virginia Wesleyan. CNU has gone 2-1-2 in the five matchups since head coach
Dan Weiler took over in 2013, with four of those five games being decided by one or fewer goals and three being played into overtime.
Riding a three-game winning streak coming into Monday night's matchup, the Captains are led by a dangerous offense averaging nearly three goals per game. Senior
Gabby Gillis and sophomore
Riley Cook have scored 20 points each this season with eight goals and four assists, while Cook leads the league with four game-winning strikes. Junior
Carson Pokorny is also a part of the potent attack, scoring 10 points on four goals and two assists.
The Marlins are also riding a win streak heading into Monday's bout, winning four straight and unbeaten over their last five games. They are coming off a 7-0 thrashing of Ferrum College after a 3-0 non-conference win over St. Mary's (Md.). Junior Alex Davidson has six goals and one assist and Anna Pedicone has added five goals and three assists for a team-leading 13 points this season.
Following Monday's non-conference finale, the Captains will stay home to host Southern Virginia University on Wednesday in Capital Athletic Conference action. Game time is set for 6:00 pm against the Knights.
