Live Video // Live Stats
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University opens its 42nd season of softball competition on Saturday, as the Captains travel to Fayetteville, N.C., to take on the Monarchs of Methodist University. The doubleheader at Price Field is scheduled to get underway at 2:30 p.m.
The Captains are coming off a season that saw them finish with a record of 37-6, and also saw them advance to the NCAA Division III Softball Championship for the 18th straight season. Christopher Newport is ranked tenth in the nation in the pre-season poll from the National Fastpitch Coahces Association (NFCA).
Keith Parr begins his 23rd year leading the Captains, and has won 737 games while losing just 214 times (78 percent).
"I really feel at this point, with the weather challenges and limited practices, we have made some substantial improvements," Parr said Thursday following his team's practice. "We have been fortunate to have the Vic Zodda Training Center to utilize along with our field that has held up well during this cold stretch. The team has been working really hard and I think we're all excited for what's to come. This is our first step as we get into game action and we are ready to hit the ground running."
Christopher Newport has a strong core of returners in the starting lineup, including three returning starters (All-American and C2C first team centerfielder
Candace Slaw, C2C Rookie of the Year second baseman
Cora Thomas, and C2C first team catcher
Natalie Quinlan). CNU also has a pair of returners in the pitching circle,
Hailey Butler and
Haylee Callahan, who figure to see plenty of innings pitched in 2026.
Saturday's games will also be the first of the season for the Monarchs, who were 14-26 last season. The Captains defeated Methodist on March 9th of last year in the Grand Slam Triangle Classic in Raleigh, N.C., by a score of 8-0 in a game shortened to six innings. CNU and Methodist, former league mates in the Dixie and USA South Athletic Conference, have played 89 games in the all-time series. The Captains hold a 47-42 edge, and have won the last 14 games played. The series dates back to 1985, CNU's first season of softball action.
Links are provided at the top of this story to access the live video and live stats of the games. Following Saturday's action, Christopher Newport's home opener is set for Saturday, February 28th, vs. Moravian University at Captains Park. The first game of two scheduled for a 12 noon first pitch.
