The Christopher Newport University women’s basketball team enters the final stretch of its regular season on an impressive streak, having won 15 consecutive games and remaining undefeated at home. As the team gears up for two road games before the conference tournament in Milwaukee, the Captains, ranked 9th in one Division III poll, are poised for a strong postseason run.
Guided by a senior class that has accumulated an outstanding 105-5 record, CNU’s veterans are eager to leave their mark in their final season. “Because it’s our last year, we’re extra hungry,” said senior Camille Malagar.
These seniors, including Malagar, have experienced remarkable success, having reached at least the Sweet 16 in each of their three previous seasons. Under the leadership of 12th-year head coach Bill Broderick, who boasts an impressive 86% career win rate, the Captains are prepared for another deep tournament push. Two years ago, CNU advanced all the way to the national championship game, only to fall short in the title contest.
“Since playing in that game, it’s all I think about,” said senior guard Hannah Orloff, reflecting on the near-miss in the national final. Gabbi San Diego, another senior leader, expressed the team’s unwavering determination: “That’s been the goal since I got here is to hang one of those big banners up, and we’ve gotten close, so now we are locked in and dialed in trying to finish that goal.”
CNU is already assured of a spot in the NCAA tournament, but in order to host the first and second rounds, the team must finish in the top 16 of the Division III computer rankings. Currently sitting at 15th, the Captains are well within striking distance of securing that coveted home-court advantage as they look to continue their pursuit of a national championship.
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