Christopher Newport University’s (CNU) women’s volleyball team concluded its regular season with an impressive display of consistency and composure, sweeping all three matches of a home triple header at the Freeman Center. The Captains defeated Eastern University, Centre College, and Roanoke College in consecutive matches to improve to 23-7 overall and build momentum entering the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Championship Tournament.
Friday afternoon victory over Eastern
CNU opened the weekend with a 3-0 victory against Eastern University, taking the sets 25-15, 25-20, and 25-16. The Captains maintained control throughout the match, posting a .385 team hitting percentage while holding Eastern to .124. Senior Alyssa Dozier led the offense with 10 kills on 16 attempts and a .563 hitting mark, while Simara Alexander added 11 kills. Setter Fielding Croft paced the attack with 40 assists and three aces, guiding a balanced offensive rhythm that allowed CNU to dominate both at the net and behind the service line.
The team’s defense was equally effective, as libero Maddie Haines and outside hitter Samantha Dorn combined for strong back-row coverage that limited Eastern’s scoring chances. The Captains’ early control reflected their emphasis on serve-receive precision and quick offensive transitions, a core focus of their midseason adjustments.
Friday night sweep of Centre
In the second match of the day, CNU defeated Centre College 3-0 with set scores of 25-21, 25-17, and 25-17. Dozier again led the attack with 11 kills, while Alexander and Emmy Carpenedo contributed eight apiece. Croft recorded 38 assists, and Haines anchored the defense with 21 digs. The Captains tallied 10 service aces and six blocks, using aggressive serving to disrupt Centre’s passing lanes.
The victory highlighted the team’s depth, with multiple players contributing offensively and defensively. Each set featured long rallies that demonstrated the Captains’ composure under pressure. Their ability to maintain energy late in the evening match underscored their conditioning and chemistry, particularly on multi-match days.
Senior night sweep over Roanoke
The weekend culminated on Saturday with a 3-0 sweep of Roanoke College during Senior Night, a celebration of three Captains whose contributions have shaped the team’s identity. Alyssa Dozier, Megan James, and Maddi Morrison were honored before the match for their athletic and academic achievements, as well as their leadership both on and off the court.
James has been recognized for her steady defensive play and academic excellence, earning multiple All-District honors. Morrison has contributed leadership and consistency, serving as a mentor to younger teammates. Dozier, one of the program’s most decorated players, surpassed 1,000 career kills earlier this season and ranks among the national leaders in total blocks and hitting percentage.
Motivated by the emotion of the night, CNU delivered one of its most dominant performances of the year. The Captains opened with a 25-16 first set, fueled by early serving runs from Croft and Carpenedo. They continued to build momentum in the second, taking it 25-11, and sealed the sweep with a 25-12 third-set victory. As a team, CNU hit .337 with 39 kills compared to Roanoke’s 17. Dozier led the offense with 15 kills and four blocks, while Dorn added 10 kills and two aces. Croft distributed 35 assists, and Haines recorded 14 digs to close out the match.
Looking Ahead
Across the triple header, CNU combined offensive balance, defensive stability, and collective discipline to post three straight sweeps. The Captains hit a combined .340 over the weekend and averaged more than 13 kills per set. Their play reflected the maturity of a team peaking at the right time, both mentally and strategically.
As the Captains turn their attention to the postseason, head coach Lindsay Birch emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and consistency. Birch has often credited her players’ chemistry as the foundation of their success, noting that their ability to communicate and adapt has carried them through demanding stretches of the schedule.
With momentum and confidence high, CNU enters the C2C Tournament ready to compete for another title. The triple header served not only as a statement of competitive excellence but also as a tribute to the seniors who helped establish a culture of teamwork, resilience, and excellence that will guide the program for years to come.
