Main Story

Christopher Newport will open the NCAA field hockey tournament at home Saturday after earning a first-round bye and hosting the Newport News regional. The Captains, who finished the regular season 14-1, face the winner of Wednesday’s Ursinus-Stevens game at 11 a.m.; the regional’s other two first-round winners meet at 2 p.m. Sunday’s regional final sends the winner to the national semifinals.

By the Numbers
  • 14-1 regular-season record.
  • Sixth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance and hosting assignment.
  • Five wins over nationally ranked teams; four wins over NCAA tournament teams.
  • Saturday games: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday regional final: 1 p.m.
State of Play
  • CNU’s opponent will be determined Wednesday, when Ursinus faces Stevens.
  • Salisbury-Penn State Harrisburg and York-Washington and Lee determine the other Saturday matchup.
  • Single-day tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children under 18; CNU students enter free with a university ID.
What’s Next

The regional winner advances to the national semifinals Nov. 20 in Geneva, New York. The championship game is scheduled for Nov. 22.

Bottom Line

CNU has home-field advantage and a strong résumé, but reaching the Final Four will require winning two games this weekend.