NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The 37th-ranked Christopher Newport men's tennis team will open the spring season on Saturday, February 4 at home as the Captains welcome Virginia Wesleyan University. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. at the James River CC Indoor Tennis Courts. 

It will be the 64th meeting all-time between the two programs, dating back to 1978, the first year of the program. Christopher Newport owns a 53-10 advantage in the all-time series including 13 straight victories for the Captains. 

Senior Alec Strause returns for his fourth year as a Captain ranked No. 20 in the ITA Singles regional rankings and will open the spring season with 25 career victories. CNU also returns All-Conference selection Edvard Porsmyr Hansen after ranking second on the team in total singles wins with 12 while playing primarily at No. 3. 

On the doubles side, Ashton Legum and Alex Seretis led the Captains in the fall tournament schedule with three victories together. Newcomer Aden Bashir paired with Peter Karanski for two while Ryan Monroe and Ahun Vodela were also 2-0 together in the Fall. 

Virginia Wesleyan was picked third in the ODAC Preseason Coaches Poll and returns the team's No. 1 player in Felix Bevc. Seven Marlins are back from last year's squad while also bringing back Andreas Combos from the 2019-20 season. 

Scores a full recap will be available on CNUsports.com following the season-opening match on Saturday.