vs. Susquehanna: Live Stats // Video Stream
vs. Kean: Live Stats // Video Stream

SELINSGROVE, Pa. -- Following an impressive performance in the season opener on Wednesday, the 14th-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team will face two more tests this weekend when the Captains battle Susquehanna and No. 10 Kean during the Connie Harnum Classic beginning on Saturday at the Sassafras Multipurpose Field in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.
 
Christopher Newport will square off with Susquehanna on Saturday before facing a nationally-ranked showdown with No. 10 Kean on Sunday. Both games are slated to begin at 11 a.m.
 
For those fans unable to attend this weekend's action, live stats and a video stream will be available at SURiverHawks.com. Direct links to both features can be found at the top of this release and on the schedule page.
 
On Wednesday, the Captains opened the year with an 8-0 victory against Bridgewater at Jennings Family Stadium. During that contest, 10 different players registered at least one point. That equaled the most point-scorers in a single game since 11 Captains stuffed the stat sheet against Transylvania on November 5, 2011.
 
Among the leading scorers, freshman Katie Abendschoen became the second player in school history to notch at least five points in her collegiate debut after posting two goals and an assist against the Eagles. Meanwhile, senior Mauri Ware also added five points for the victors, while Abby Asuncion kicked off her junior campaign with a pair of strikes as well.
 
Incredibly, of the 17 Captains who took part in Wednesday's contest, nine were making their first appearance at Christopher Newport. Of those standouts, five tallied a point. Along with Abendschoen's showcase, Vivian Pope, Logan Beal, and Lainey Pratzner all recorded assists, while Maddison Steele added her first collegiate goal.
 
In addition to the offensive standouts, the defense was equally impressive. During the contest, Christopher Newport allowed only a single shot against the Eagles. That equaled the fewest attempts by a non-conference opponent since Virginia Wesleyan was held silent on September 1, 2017.
 
Following their impressive debut, the Captains will be facing a pair of opponents who have yet to see action this season. Both Susquehanna and Kean had their season openers wiped out following inclement weather in the northeast on Wednesday.
 
Susquehanna enters the season with a veteran squad that features 10 seniors, including All-Conference standouts Kelsey Murray and Annalee Smith. Murray has been a stabilizing force on the midfield unit throughout her tenure, while Smith registered a league-high seven defensive saves from her perch on the back line in 2019.
 
During their last collegiate campaign, Susquehanna posted a 10-11 record while advancing to the Landmark Conference Championship in 2019.
 
Kean comes into the year slotted 10th in the NFHCA National Coaches Poll after compiling a pristine 5-0 record during an abbreviated spring season. The Cougars, who face No. 5 Salisbury on Saturday, return six All-NJAC performers from the spring, including Ja'Carra Jackson, who was celebrated as the league's Offensive Player of the Year. Additionally, Lia DiPiazza was the Midfielder of the Year, and Belly Reynoso was honored as the conference's top goalie in the spring.
 
Saturday's match-up with Susquehanna will mark the first meeting between the two programs. Meanwhile, Christopher Newport and Kean faced off once before. The two teams squared off in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament with the Cougars notching a 2-1 victory at Captains Turf Field.
 
Following this weekend's action, Christopher Newport will continue its road swing with a trip to Washington & Lee on September 11.
 
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