ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - Christopher Newport swept a non-conference softball doubleheader Wednesday afternoon over North Carolina Wesleyan. The Captains, ranked 13th in the nation, took the opener by a 7-3 score and then blanked the Bishops in the nightcap, 2-0. Keith Parr's squad is now 5-1 to start the season, while North Carolina Wesleyan fell to 2-4.

In the opener, the Captains trailed 2-1 before erupting for two runs in the fifth inning and four more in the sixth en route to the 7-3 victory. Freshman first baseman Caroline Helmer smacked a two-run home run in the four-run sixth, and went four-for-four for the Captains. Sophomore Patty Maye Ohanian drove in two runs by walking with the bases loaded in the fifth inning to tie the score at 2-2, and then delivered an RBI double in the big sixth frame.

Junior transfer Trish Webb entered the game in the fourth inning in relief of CNU starter, sophomore Emily Weatherholtz. Webb earned the victory by allowing one run on five hits and striking out seven over the last three and two-thirds innings.

In the nightcap, which was shortened to five innings, junior Aubrey Bates allowed just two hits while throwing shutout ball as the Captains recorded a 2-0 triumph. Bates struck out three and walked three as the Captains won their fifth straight game since a season-opening loss to Emory & Henry.

CNU ended a scoreless battle with the lone runs of the game scoring in the top of the fourth inning. Freshman designated player Kaitlyn Hasty was two-for-two and drove in the first run with a double. Junior Grace Wild singled home the second run later in the inning and the two runs proved to be plenty as Bates closed out the Bishops

Christopher Newport will remain in North Carolina and travel to Raleigh to take on Meredith on Thursday. The non-conference doubleheader will begin at 2:00 p.m.