NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The Christopher Newport Volleyball team returns to the Freeman Center for the 2023 Captains Classic and their first matches of the 2023 season. The Captains will host three matches this weekend in Newport News on September 1 and 2. 

Match Details

The Captains open up their Captains Classic slate on Friday at 3:00pm against Muskingum and play later at 7:00pm against UW-Stevens Point. On Saturday, CNU faces Mount St. Joseph at 1:00pm. All of the Captains' matches will be streamed on CNU All Access.

Last Time Out

Christopher Newport is coming off of their 15th straight NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022. CNU went 23-14 overall, but were especially sharp at home, boasting a 14-4 record in the Freeman Center. Returning to the roster are All-Conference setter Sammy Carroll along with returning conference Rookie of the Year Alyssa Dozier. The two were named team captains for the 2023 team. 

By The Numbers

3792 - CNU setter Sammy Carroll finished 2022 with 1266 assists, the sixth highest season total in Captains history. Carroll returns for the 2023 season with more career assists (3792) than anyone in Division 3.

Series History

The Captains have faced Muskingum once in program history, with Muskingum taking the one matchup back in 2006. CNU and Mount St. Joseph met for the first time last season as the Captains fell in three sets. CNU has never faced UW-Stevens Point.

Scouting the Muskies

Muskingum was picked sixth in the OAC preseason poll after going 18-8 a year ago. They started the season winning their first seven matches in a row. They made it to the OAC semifinals before losing in five sets to John Carroll. Seniors Raegan Flood and Khloe Taylor were named to the OAC Players to Watch list ahead of the 2023 season.

Scouting the Lions

Mount St. Joseph was voted second in the HCAC preseason poll, which is where they finished in 2022. They faced the favorites, Transylvania, in the conference championship match last season and lost in three sets. The Lions went 22-7 last season including a 11-5 record away from home. Grace Young, Emily Pfifer, McKenzee Wagener, and Erin Androne were selected as players to watch.

Scouting the Pointers

UW-Stevens Point begins the season ranked No. 16 in the AVCA preseason poll, but was picked to finish third in the competitive WIAC. They went 26-8 in 2022 and made it to the conference final as well as the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Pointers top returner is Ashley Kopp, who was selected the WIAC Newcomer of the Year in 2021 and WIAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.