NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport will play as the top-ranked team in the country for the first time ever on Saturday, as the Captains open Capital Athletic Conference play at Southern Virginia University. The CAC softball doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. in Buena Vista, Va.

Keith Parr's Captains are 16-2 and Wednesday jumped into the top spot in the weekly Top 25 poll from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for the first time in the 35-year history of the program. CNU had been ranked second in the nation last week, but jumped over Virginia Wesleyan thanks to a doubleheader split last Sunday with the Marlins in Virginia Beach. CNU had won 15 straight games before dropping a 3-1 decision to VWU in the first game, but the Captains bounced back to take the nightcap in eight innings, 2-1.

Southern Virginia is 6-18 so far this season and the Knights will also be seeing conference action for the first time. CNU holds a 15-1 lead in the all-time series with SVU. 

Christopher Newport will conclude the busy weekend by returning home for a Sunday non-conference doubleheader with Greensboro College. Game one of the twin bill is set to start at 1:30 p.m. at Captains Field. The Pride is 16-10 and will play two at Methodist on Saturday before heading to Newport News on Sunday. CNU holds a 28-15-1 advantage in the all-time series with GC.