COLUMBUS, GA. - After falling in the opening game of the day Saturday to East Texas Baptist in the NFCA's Leadoff Classic, the Captains of Christopher Newport University broke out the bats to defeat Illinois Wesleyan University, 12-0. The Captains improved to 5-1 on the season with two games remaining in the tourney on Sunday.

CNU opened a close game by scoring 11 times over the last three innings for the decisive victory. Freshman pitcher Haylee Callahan had an impressive debut in the circle, throwing a complete game shutout while allowing just three hits, all singles. Callahan struck out three and walked two as the Captains earned a split for the day.

CNU was powered at the plate by two home runs, as seniors Jules Donnelly and Caroline Pollock each left the yard. Donnelly slammed a solo shot in the sixth inning, and Pollock clubbed a solo home run in the seventh. Christopher Newport logged 13 hits, and plated two runs in the fifth inning, three in the sixth, and six in the seventh.

Donnelly had three hits, including the home run and a double, and scored three times. Pollock also had an RBI single to go with her long ball. Freshman Gabby Gosman knocked in two runs with a double and also was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for her third RBI of the afternoon. Freshman Candace Slaw continued her great start with two hits, three runs scored, two RBI, and a stolen base.

Sunday's schedule has the Captains playing the College of St. Benedict at 1:30 p.m., followed by a matchup with last year's National Champions, Trine University, at 3:30 p.m.