NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 2018-19 version of the Christopher Newport women's basketball team is set to take the court for the first time on Sunday, November 11, hosting Virginia Wesleyan University at 2:00 pm. The Captains will host the Marlins in the Freeman Center in head coach Bill Broderick's seventh season at the helm. 

CNU has won four straight season openers and have not dropped a home opener since the 2006-07 season, a span of 11 straight games. It will be the 65th all-time meeting between Christopher Newport and Virginia Wesleyan, with the Captains hauling in the last nine straight victories. CNU owns a 44-20 advantage in the series, which dates back to 1971-72. 

Admission to the Freeman Center is $8 for chairback seating and $5 for general admission. The gates will open an hour before tip at 1:00 pm. For fans who can not attend the season debut for the Captains, live stats and a live video webcast will be available at CNUsports.com. 

Christopher Newport is ranked No. 20 in the nation by D3hoops.com and was picked to win the Capital Athletic Conference in the preseason coaches poll. CNU returns senior point guard Zhara Tannor after a sizzling junior season that saw her dish out over 100 assists for the first time in her career. Tannor averaged 6.5 points per game and added a team-leading 82 steals on the defensive side of the ball. Fellow seniors Jessica Daguilh and Madison Howdyshell are also back for the Captains, providing depth in the front court after averaging a combined 9 points and 9 rebounds per game. 

Virginia Wesleyan was 14-14 last season while being led by Jayla Harris with nearly 17 points per game. Harris returns to the fold for her senior season this year along with senior guard Amanda Gerni, who poured in 7.1 points per contest. 

Following Sunday's opener, the Captains will return to action on Wednesday, November 14 as they host Stevenson in non-conference action at 6:00 pm.