NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Christopher Newport University softball program looks to open its season on Saturday on the road, and then host action Sunday at Captains Park. Unfortunately, rain is in the forecast for both days and may change the schedule.

Keith Parr's squad is ranked third in the nation in the pre-season coaches poll from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). The Captains are scheduled to play the Marlins of Virginia Wesleyan in Virginia Beach on Saturday with the doubleheader beginning at 1:30 p.m. Christopher Newport is then scheduled to open the home schedule on Sunday with a twin bill vs. Randolph with first pitch also set for 1:30 p.m.

The Captains won their first dozen games a year ago and were 12-1 and ranked third in the country when the season was halted by CoVID-19.

Christopher Newport features a veteran lineup including two big bats in the order, senior first baseman Patty Maye Ohanian and junior third baseman Kaitlyn Hasty, both All-Americans and conference MVP's in the past...four other seniors (outfielders Maddie Hool and Keely Crittenden, shortstop Natalie Carmichael, and catcher Emerald Cheesbrew) give the Captains a solid foundation.

In addition to senior leadership, the squad also consists of a tremendous junior class of talent. Led by Hasty, the juniors also include catchers Bailey Roberts and Hannah Hummel, first baseman Caroline Helmer, and outfielders Sarah Proctor and Caitlin Abernethy.

In the pitching circle, senior Emily Weatherholtz has great experience and will see plenty of innings...she'll be complemented by sophomore Gracie Vallejos and newcomer Jessie Kantor. 

Saturday's opponent, longtime rival Virginia Wesleyan, is already off to a 4-0 start to the 2021 season. The Marlins were ranked fourth in the nation in the NFCA's pre-season poll. Randolph is 3-1 heading into Sunday's games at Christopher Newport.

Any changes to the schedule to open the season will be posted here on CNUsports.com. Out of an abundance of caution due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all home competitions will be closed to the public, and Virginia Wesleyan will also not allow spectators on Saturday.

Live video for Saturday at Virginia Wesleyan click HERE

Live video and live stats will be available Sunday by clicking HERE.