CNU WBB Game Notes

ASHLAND, Va. -- The 20th-ranked Christopher Newport women's basketball team will return to action this weekend as they travel to the R-MC Tip-Off Classic hosted by Randolph-Macon College at Crenshaw Gymnasium. The Captains (4-0) will take on Lebanon Valley College (3-1) in the opener at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night before playing a second game either at 1:00 or 3:00 pm on Saturday. 

The other game features the host Yellow Jackets against Averett University. The two winning teams will advance to the R-MC Tip-Off Championship at 3:00 pm on Saturday while the two teams who lose on day one will face off in the first game at 1:00 pm. Live stats and live video will be available for all four games and links can be found on the women's basketball schedule at CNUsports.com. 

Once again featuring one of the nation's elite defenses, the Christopher Newport women's basketball team ranks fourth nationally in steals per game (19.8) and turnovers forced (35.0). The Captains have paired that top-notch defense with a scoring offense that ranks sixth nationally with 95.0 points per game. 

Christopher Newport is riding a 21-game winning streak that is the second longest active roll in the country. The Captains are 4-0 to start the year with a pair of 100-point scoring performances already in the young season. Leading the way is senior Sondra Fan, averaging 14.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 3.5 steals per game after being selected as a D3hoops.com Preseason All-American this year. Natalie Terwilliger and Anaya Simmons are also off to strong starts averaging 12.0 and 11.3 points per game, respectively. 

Lebanon Valley counters with first-year head coach Diane Decker guiding the Dutchmen to a 3-1 start this year. LVC has held opponents to just 43.5 points per game this year while giving up just 28% shots made from the field. Junior Kennedy Kuffa is leading for Lebanon Valley, averaging 10.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game through the first four. Kate Fitzpatrick has added 12.5 points per game for the defensive-minded program. 

This will serve as just the second meeting all-time between the two programs after Christopher Newport won the first in the 2011 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, 62-50, to send the Captains to their first ever Final Four.

Tickets will be provided on digital/mobile formats through Ticket Spicket only. General admission costs $7 for those ages 13 and older and will be good for both games for the designated date.