Lexington, Va. -- For the 11th time in school history, the Christopher Newport women's lacrosse program earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament as the Captains secured an at-large bid to the national playoffs and will begin the postseason on Saturday at 1 p.m. with a first-round bout against Meredith at Washington and Lee's Alston Parker Watt Field.

The winner of Saturday's contest will advance to the second round of the tournament for a showdown with Washington and Lee on Sunday at 1 p.m. At the end of the weekend, the last team standing will continue the NCAA Tournament with third-round action on May 16.

This year's berth is Christopher Newport's third in the past four seasons. Finding success on the national stage, the squad has registered at least one victory during each of its last two trips. The 2023 squad made a run to the second round of the tournament before the 2024 Captains reached the third round of the playoffs.

Along with its most recent appearances, the program advanced to eight straight NCAA Tournaments from 2006-13. That stretch was capped off by a Sweet 16 run in 2013.

Boasting a 13-6 record, the 2026 Captains have already competed in nine games against programs that advanced to this year's NCAA Tournament, including both teams in their pod this weekend. CNU defeated Meredith, 15-7, on April 11 after falling to Washington and Lee, 15-9, on March 4.

Additionally, Christopher Newport defeated fellow NCAA Tournament participants Haverford, St. Mary's (Md.), and York (Pa.) while dropping decisions to Denison, Rowan, and Salisbury.

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