Lynchburg, Va. --The Lynchburg softball team returns to Moon Field this weekend for its final non-conference matchup of the season, taking on No. 3 Christopher Newport on Saturday, April 19, with first pitch set for 1:30 p.m.

Last season, the Hornets and Captains split their doubleheader in the Hill City. That win for Lynchburg snapped a nine-game losing streak to CNU and marked their first victory in the series since 2015.

Christopher Newport (26–2) enters the weekend after splitting a series with No. 18 Randolph-Macon. The Captains have made 17 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including three straight Super Regional berths—and they're all but assured a return to the postseason this spring with another deep run on the horizon.

Powered by one of the most dangerous offenses in the nation, CNU boasts eight batters hitting above .350, including three who are over .400. Sophomore Candace Slaw leads the way, batting an eye-popping .598 with 55 hits in 92 at-bats. Her average ranks second in all of Division III, while her hit total stands seventh nationally.

But it's not just the bats doing damage—CNU is dominant in the circle as well, ranking 13th nationally in team batting average and eighth in ERA. Seniors Kate Alger and Jamie Martin have anchored the pitching staff, posting ERAs of 0.83 and 1.57, respectively. Alger's mark is currently the eighth-best in the country.

Lynchburg enters the contest on a three-game win streak and has claimed victory in eight of its last nine. The Hornets have swept three of their last four ODAC doubleheaders, relying on stellar defense that has held opponents to one run or fewer in six of those nine games.

While Lynchburg ranks ninth in the ODAC in team batting average (.268), the pitching staff has been a bright spot—ranking third in the league in ERA (1.66) and opponent batting average (.218). Sarah Watts has been the Hornets' top performer at the plate, collecting 38 hits this season, 16 of which have gone for extra bases. In the circle, Kailey Dorcsis ranks fifth in the ODAC for strikeouts (89), ERA (1.27), and wins (11). 

Lynchburg will have two more doubleheaders to conclude the regular season, traveling to Ferrum for their final road stand next up on Tuesday, April 22. 

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--LYN--