NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 33rd-ranked Christopher Newport men's tennis team will embark on the 2019 schedule this weekend, hosting Virginia Wesleyan University at 4:30 p.m. in non-conference action. With chilly temperatures expected, the Captains and Marlins will face off on the indoor courts at James River Country Club. 

The Captains have won five straight spring season openers, including a win over Division I Longwood in 2015. Under head coach Eric Christiansen, the CNU men's tennis program is 5-1 in season-opening matches and 3-0 against Virginia Wesleyan. The all-time series against the Marlins favors Christopher Newport by a count of 49-10. 

This season, Christopher Newport will open the year ranked No. 33 in the nation after graduating a pair of All-Conference performers in Justin Cerny and David Reed. Seniors Nicholas Ruzicka and William Trang anchor a strong returning group that also includes juniors Dominic Lacombe and Andy Mason. Ruzicka captured 18 wins in both singles and doubles play last season to lead all Captains. Trang and Mason earned second team All-Conference doubles honors with 16 and 15 doubles victories, respectively. 

Virginia Wesleyan is led by senior Paul Gladstone, an All-Conference selection in 2017. 

Following the action, a full recap and scores will be available at CNUsports.com. After Saturday's season opener, the Captains will host Longwood University next Saturday, February 16 in their next match.