No. 10 CNU softball team opens with road sweep

Captains defeat Methodist in doubleheader

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The 10th-ranked Christopher Newport University softball team opened its season with a road sweep of Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Captains won the first game 6-3 and the second game 14-2, led by strong performances from Candice Slaw, Caroline Alger, and Cora Grace Sparger.

Why it matters

CNU softball is a perennial Division III powerhouse, and this road sweep to open the season demonstrates the team's continued strength and competitiveness. The Captains are looking to build on their success from last year and make a deep postseason run.

The details

In the first game, Natalie Quinlan and Kimberly Jones hit first-inning home runs, and Caroline Alger pitched 4 2/3 hitless innings of relief to earn the win. In the second game, freshman Cora Grace Sparger made her debut in the circle, pitching all five innings to pick up the victory. Candace Slaw led the offense, going 6-for-8 with three singles and three RBIs.

  • The doubleheader took place on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Candice Slaw

A key offensive contributor for the CNU softball team, Slaw had three singles and three RBIs in the second game of the doubleheader.

Caroline Alger

The CNU pitcher earned the win in the first game, pitching 4 2/3 hitless innings of relief.

Cora Grace Sparger

The freshman pitcher made her debut for the Captains, pitching all five innings to pick up the win in the second game.

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The takeaway

CNU softball is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, sweeping a road doubleheader against Methodist. The Captains' depth and talent on both offense and defense suggest they will be a force to be reckoned with in Division III this year.