VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Back in action to wrap up a lengthy stint away from home, the Christopher Newport volleyball team will travel across the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel to face No. 22 Batten University -- formerly Virginia Wesleyan -- with the first serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m. 

The Captains are 12-5 through the first 17 games. Thirteen of those 17 matches have been played away from home and CNU will make it 14 of 18 on Wednesday night when they face off against the cross-water rivals. Despite a 3-0 loss to the Marlins last season, the Captains hold a distinct advantage in the all-time series with a 23-5 record against Batten dating back to the first matchup in 2002. 

For fans unable to make the trip to Virginia Beach, live stats and a live video webcast ($) will be available online. Links to both can be found on the volleyball schedule at CNUsports.com. 

Christopher Newport has won seven of the last eight matches including an impressive 3-0 win at Mary Washington on October 3. The Captains were led by rookie Jasmine Williams, who put together a historic effort on the floor with a perfect 12-for-12 performance swinging at the net. In the 48-year history of the program, Williams became just the second player ever to record 10 or more kills without a single defended attack or error on her record. The perfect 1.000 hitting percentage was preceded only 40 years prior by Hall of Famer Dawn Terry. 

Her performance moved her into the top-60 nationally in hitting percentage this year with a .339 mark so far in her rookie year. She continued to lead a deep attack that features six players with at least 80 kills through the first 17 matches this season. Williams has a team-high 129 kills (2.48 per set) while senior Simara Alexander is not far behind with 2.32 kills per set. 

CNU will be taking on a Batten University squad that ranks in the top-25 nationally in assists and service aces. The Marlins are also just outside the top 25 in total kills with Hannah Smith leading the charge with 228 total kills already this season. Smith ranks 16th nationally in total kills while hitting .289 for the season with 267.5 points. Niya Nash leads the offense at the setter position with 394 total assists and 9.98 per set. 

Following the game at Batten, the Captains will return home for the first time in over a month when they welcome in Marymount University to the Freeman Center on Friday, October 9. Match time in the home game is set for 6:00 p.m.