Team
Steven Goldburg

Field Hockey

Christopher Newport Field Hockey Returns Home for Busy Weekend against Centre and Roanoke

Live Stats // Video Stream

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- 
Two weeks after the squad's last appearance at home, the Christopher Newport field hockey team will return to Jennings Family Stadium when the Captains host Centre on Saturday at noon before welcoming Roanoke to town on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Entering the weekend, Christopher Newport boasts a 7-3 record, including a 3-2 mark at home. Meanwhile, Centre is 5-4 overall, while Roanoke is 8-2 entering a Saturday tilt at Virginia Wesleyan.

For those fans unable to attend the games, live stats and a video stream of both contests will be available at CNUsports.com. Direct links can be found at the top of this release and on the schedule page.

In their last appearance, the Captains extended their winning streak to three games after knocking off No. 17 Lynchburg, 2-1. During that top-20 showdown, Christopher Newport held the Hornets to only six shots, including three on-target attempts. Alexis Morales led the way as the senior helped the team put a lid on its high-scoring opposition, including a huge play to help close off a 3-on-2 breakaway in the final minutes of regulation.

For her efforts, Morales was named the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. She was also honored with a spot on the Synapse Sports National Honor Roll for her efforts.

Along with her work on the back end, Morales also found the back of the cage on the offensive side. Abby Asuncion posted a goal as well, marking her ninth career game-winning tally. That equals the fourth-highest total in program history.

Through 10 games, Christopher Newport ranks in the top-20 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense. The Captains are averaging 4.00 goals per contest, which stands as the 15th-highest rate in the NCAA. Meanwhile, the squad is surrendering only 0.90 tallies per game, which slots 20th in the country.

On an individual level, Lily Kerr is third in the NCAA in goals-against-average (0.36) and 10th in save percentage (.833).

Centre has been equally effective on the defensive end in 2022. The Colonels are 11th in the NCAA in save percentage (.837) and 24th in goals-against-average (0.97). Carlie McKenry has led the way on the back end with a stellar .825 save percentage during her time in the cage. Meanwhile, Erin Bozdech is a two-time SAA Defensive Player of the Week honoree for her work on the back line.

The Colonels have not allowed more than one goal in any of their last six outings, including back-to-back road shutouts against Transylvania and Earlham. On the other end of the field, Peyton Gahm leads Centre with seven goals, while Claire Martin has four strikes of her own.

Roanoke comes into the weekend on an eight-game winning streak. During that roll, the Maroons have outscored their opposition, 34-1. Overall this season, the squad ranks 16th in scoring defense (0.88 goals-against-average) and 23rd in scoring offense (3.70 goals per game). The team also leads the nation in penalty corners per contest with a 13.90 average.

On an individual level, Grace Vernarelli leads the Maroons with 22 points, including nine goals. Martha Hurley has also handed out seven assists. On the back end, Madison Wingerter sits 17th in the NCAA with a 0.88 goals-against-average.

Saturday's meeting will mark the 10th showdown between Christopher Newport and Centre with the Captains holding a 7-2 edge in the series. However, the Colonels have won the previous two outings, including a 2-1 double-overtime triumph in the NCAA Tournament last year.

Meanwhile, Christopher Newport has a 6-3 lead in the all-time series against Roanoke. The Captains won last year's tilt, 4-1, in Salem.

After this weekend's action, Christopher Newport will remain at home for a 6 p.m. test against No. 17 Shenandoah on Wednesday.

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Players Mentioned

Abby Asuncion

#25 Abby Asuncion

A
5' 2"
Senior
Lily Kerr

#24 Lily Kerr

GK
5' 4"
Freshman
Alexis Morales

#13 Alexis Morales

M
5' 4"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Abby Asuncion

#25 Abby Asuncion

5' 2"
Senior
A
Lily Kerr

#24 Lily Kerr

5' 4"
Freshman
GK
Alexis Morales

#13 Alexis Morales

5' 4"
Senior
M