NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- For the first time in over a month, the third-ranked Christopher Newport field hockey team will make an appearance at Jennings Family Stadium as the Captains host Saint Francis on Senior Day beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Entering the weekend, CNU sits at 11-1 on the season, including 2-0 at home. Meanwhile, Saint Francis is 3-8 with a 1-7 mark on the road.

For those fans unable to attend the game, live stats and a video stream of the action will be available at CNUsports.com. Direct links to both features can be found at the top of this release and on the schedule page.

Prior to the contest, Christopher Newport will hold its annual on-field Senior Day celebration beginning at 2:50 p.m. The Captains will recognize the accomplishments of this year's senior class, which has helped the program compile a 63-6 record over the past four seasons. Currently, their .913 winning percentage is the finest of any class in school history.

Together, Ella Fallen, Kendall Gibson, Caroline Hughlett, Courtney Hughlett, Riley Iasiello, Lindsey Loar, and Ellie Nuckols have guided CNU to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Final Four last fall. Along the way, the team has been ranked in the top-15 nationally in every single NFHCA National Coaches Poll during their tenure, including 10 weeks as the No. 1 team in the country over the past two years.

On an individual level, Iasiello, Loar, and the Hughlett twins all rank in the program's top-25 all-time in points-per-game, while Nuckols has been a perennial starter and one of the most successful penalty corner contributors in school history. Meanwhile, on the back end, Fallen's .891 career save percentage is currently the highest in program lore, and Gibson slots 10th all-time with eight career defensive saves.

So far this season, the seniors have accounted for more than half of the team's goals and assists, while Gibson and Fallen have been centerpieces on the squad's defensive unit, which ranks second in the NCAA in goals-against-average with an astounding 0.25 mark. Overall, the Captains have outscored their opposition by 4.03 goals per contest, which stands as the highest rate in the country.

CNU enters Saturday on a four-game winning streak after shutting out Batten, Roger Williams, No. 6 Salisbury, and St. Mary's (Md.) over the past three weeks. Incredibly, the Captains have not surrendered a goal during 11-on-11 action since the first quarter of a 3-1 win at No. 10 Endicott on September 7. That run includes over 597 minutes of regulation play.

Saint Francis comes into the weekend after knocking off Washington and Jefferson, 10-0, on Wednesday evening. That was the squad's most lopsided victory in program history. Headlining the action, Hannah Capo recorded a hat-trick, while Avery Bradburn pitched in with two goals and three assists. Meanwhile, Madison Morrison added five saves to earn the win.

In their first year competing at the Division III level after a long run as a Division I program, the Red Wolves have been led this season by Bradburn, who ranks first on the squad with 12 points. T Ciaccia also has a team-high four goals, including a dagger against Division I Mercyhurst last month. On the other end, Morrison boasts a .675 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against-average. Meanwhile, excluding her three games against D1 competition, the freshman has a stellar .780 save percentage and 1.38 goals-against-average this year.

Christopher Newport and Saint Francis have never competed in field hockey. However, one Captain has squared off with the program. Iasiello played 40 minutes in a battle against Saint Francis during her freshman year at Queens (Charlotte) on August 25, 2023.

Following Saturday's tilt, CNU will return to action on October 28 for a 6 p.m. showdown against Mary Washington at Jennings Family Stadium.

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