On the first day of the 2024 season, the Christopher Newport Volleyball team split their season opening matches at the Captains Classic. The Captains took down William Paterson in the first match before falling to top-ranked Juniata in their second match.

Christopher Newport 3, William Paterson 1 | (25-10, 25-14, 16-25, 25-19)

First Set

Christopher Newport made a statement right out of the gate, winning the first ten points of the match. Alyssa Dozier led the charge with four kills in the first set, while true freshman Avery Hanly added three of her own in her collegiate debut. The Captains dominated throughout, with Dozier delivering the final blow to secure a decisive 25-10 win in the first set.

Second Set

The Captains continued their strong start in the second set, quickly jumping out to a 9-2 lead. Phoebe Adams was a force from the service line, delivering four aces that kept the momentum firmly in CNU's favor. Hanly, showing no signs of first-game nerves, led the team with five kills, including the set-winning strike that closed it out at 25-14.

Third Set 

William Paterson fought back in the third set, putting together a six-point rally that shifted the momentum in their favor. The Pioneers capitalized on their run, eventually taking the set 25-16 to extend the match.

Fourth Set 

CNU regained their form in the fourth set, with Dozier and Samantha Dorn combining for 11 kills. The Captains kept the pressure on, scoring three points in a row on four separate occasions. They finished the match strong, winning five of the last six points to claim the set 25-19 and secure the 3-1 victory. Alyssa Vitale, making her debut for CNU, was instrumental in the win, leading the team with 41 assists and adding 17 digs.

Juniata 3, Christopher Newport 0 | (25-22, 25-19, 25-14)

First Set

The opening set was a tight battle, with neither team gaining more than a one-point edge until Christopher Newport managed to win four consecutive points, taking a 16-13 lead. Juniata responded by winning seven of the next eight points to pull ahead 20-17. The Captains mounted a late rally to get within one point, but the Eagles closed it out by taking the final two points for a 25-22 win.

Second Set

Juniata came out strong in the second set, winning nine of the first 11 points. Christopher Newport fought back, with two kills from Macy Burk cutting the deficit to 12-10. Despite the comeback attempt, the Eagles held firm and extended their lead, eventually taking the set 25-19.

Third Set

The third set followed a similar pattern, with Juniata jumping out to an early 10-3 lead. The Captains were unable to recover from the early deficit, and Juniata closed out the match with a 25-14 win in the final set.
Macy Burk led the Captains with seven kills, while Alyssa Dozier and Samantha Dorn each added six. Freshman Audrey Stenger, playing in just her second collegiate match, made a significant contribution with 15 digs, while Noelle Starr led the team with 17 digs and added two aces.

News & Notes

• Phoebe Adams set new career highs with four aces and 13 digs in the win over William Paterson.
• Avery Hanly made waves in her first collegiate action with 13 kills in the win over William Paterson.
• Graduate transfer Alyssa Vitale led the Captains in assists in both matches.
• Four Captains made their CNU debuts on Friday. Alyssa Vitale, Carley Coghill, Avery Hanly, and Audrey Stenger all saw their first action.

Next Up

Christopher Newport wraps up the Captains Classic at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday against Johns Hopkins. It will be streamed live on CNU All Access.