Live Stats // Video Broadcast

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Christopher Newport men's lacrosse team will kick off the 2018 campaign on Wednesday at 7 p.m. when CNU hosts No. 20 Washington & Lee in the season opener at Captains Turf Field.
 
Wednesday's contest also serves as the second annual Lacrosse the Nations Cup. For the second straight year, the Generals and Captains will use their match-up as a way to raise awareness for Lacrosse the Nations. Founded in 2009, LtN is an international organization that uses lacrosse and other physical activities to teach important life skills and help improve education and health while creating opportunity and hope for children in need.
 
Last year, during the inaugural Lacrosse the Nations Cup, Washington & Lee came away with the trophy after recording a 14-6 triumph in Lexington.
 
Christopher Newport is coming off of an 11-6 campaign in 2017 and was selected third in the CAC Preseason Poll. Among the veterans returning for the Captains, Tony Cruz earned first-team All-Region accolades last year as the squad's faceoff specialist. Entering his senior season, he is currently tied with former standout Ari Elgort for the program's all-time career record with 525 faceoff victories.
 
In addition to Cruz, Matthew Crist comes into his fourth campaign as the team's all-time leader with 67 assists. His 146 points also place him second on the program's all-time charts. Meanwhile, Drew Cornell is back after ranking sixth in the conference with 26 caused turnovers last year, while Will Cogan was seventh with 24. The midfield unit also features a veteran crew, including seniors Drew Magnusson, Shane McKenna, Jake O'Connell, and Christopher Albright.
 
Over the course of the program's 11 years, the Captains are currently 5-6 all-time in their season opener. The squad has kicked off the year with a battle against Washington & Lee during each of the past six seasons. W&L is 5-1 in those meetings, although CNU did knock off the 15th-ranked Generals to start the 2015 season.
 
On the other side of the field, Washington & Lee opened the year at home with a 10-4 setback against No. 5 York (Pa.) on Saturday. Reigning All-American A.J. Witherell led the Generals with two points, while Jake Ware, Mike Weaver, and Jed Londrey also found the back of the net. Meanwhile, Will Atkins made 10 saves on 19 shots, and Jack Hodgson won 10 of his 18 faceoff attempts.
 
The Generals, who are currently ranked 20th in the latest USILA National Coaches Poll, posted a 10-7 record last year. W&L finished 12th in the country with a 15.59 goals-per-game average in 2017, including 88 points by Witherell. That established a new single-season program record. Hodgson and Kyle Gifford also return after collecting first-team All-ODAC laurels last year.
 
For those fans unable to attend Wednesday's game, live stats will be available at CNUsports.com. The Captains will also provide a broadcast of the action with Andy McGregor and Jake Myers on the call. Direct links to the stats and video can be accessed at the top of this release and on the CNU schedule page.
 
Following Wednesday's game, Christopher Newport will return to action on Friday when the squad battles Berry in a neutral-site tilt at Charlotte Christian High School in North Carolina. Game time is slated for 5 p.m.
 
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