BUENA VISTA, Va. — Despite starting strong and taking a 17-13 lead in the opening set, Southern Virginia (11-5) dropped their first CAC match of the season to Christopher Newport (14-6) in three sets 22-25, 17-25, and 20-25. 

Junior Kaely Rath returned to the lineup after battling an injury with an immediate impact having a .353 hitting average on the night along with leading the team in kills with seven. Senior Mykynli Knight played strong defensively having a game-high 17 digs, and Elle Warnick led the Knights with 21 assists. Juniors Taryn Warner, Ryan Dubinsky, and Lindsay Wiedrich each had one block. 

The Knights came out very strong in the first having a healthy lead midway through, but six consecutive points including three successive service aces helped elevate the Captains to a set win. 

In set two, CNU outscored Southern Virginia 14-4 to establish another dominant performance. The Knights were able to cut the lead and exchange blows with the Captains but Christopher Newport did not let up, earning their second set win. 

Set three followed the same path as set two. CNU was able to score the first two points and would never look back. The Knights made it difficult for the Captains keeping it close through the set. CNU would complete the sweep and stay undefeated in conference play. 

Southern Virginia will travel to York College to continue CAC play on Saturday, October 6 at noon.