MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- The nationally-ranked Christopher Newport women's soccer team will embark on it's sixth straight journey into the NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon as the Captains (16-0-2) take on John Jay College (12-2-2) at 1:00 p.m. on the campus of Montclair State University. Following the first-round matchup, the host Red Hawks will take on the University of Lynchburg at 3:30 p.m. with the winners advancing to Sunday afternoon's second round. 

The Captains are making the program's 14th NCAA Tournament appearance and second straight under the direction of head coach Jamie Gunderson. The No. 3 ranked CNU squad is the defending national champion after a perfect 6-0-0 run through the 2021 NCAA Tournament. During the last postseason run, Christopher Newport outscored each of its six opponents by a final count of 9-1. 

CNU earned it's spot in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament by winning the at-large berth from winning the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference championship. In their last game, CNU defeated Mary Washington, 1-0, to celebrate the team's 11th conference title in 25 years of women's soccer at Christopher Newport. 

Heading into opening round action for the sixth straight year, the Captains will be looking to continue it's trend of success. CNU has outscored it's last five opponents in the opening round by a count of 23-3. John Jay College will be the 11th different opponent the Captains have ever faced in the NCAA Tournament first round as the two programs will be meeting for the first time. 

The Bloodhounds are three-time winners of the CUNYAC making the NCAA Tournament for the third time. John Jay is riding an eight-game winning streak, having outscored opponents 42-2 in that stretch. As the 16th-ranked offense in Division III, the Bloodhounds are pouring in 3.50 goals per game with 153 total points this season. Leading the way is Katie Healy with 30 points on 10 goals and 10 assists while Mikayla Schoch has 20 points on nine goals and two assists. 

The Captains will counter with one of the toughest defenses to crack in the nation, having allowed just seven goals through 18 games played this season. Christopher Newport's back line ranks ninth in the country in team goals-against average with C2C Tournament MVP and 2021 All-American center back Jill McDonald leading the way. Sophomore Re Slater, junior Nyah Savage, and senior Sarah Rhiel round out the defensive unit that has suffocated opposing attacks all season long. 

Offensively, the Captains are led by fifth-year senior Sarah Smith with 19 points on nine goals and one assist. Junior Emma Ricci has added a double-figure scoring season with 12 points on four goals and four helpers, while Rhiel leads the team in assists with five. 

Live stats and a live video webcast will be available for all the action at the MSU Soccer Stadium in Montclair, N.J.