DANVILLE, VA – Christopher Newport's women's basketball squad dropped a 63-55 decision at Averett Sunday afternoon.

CNU concluded its two-game road trip by losing both games.

It was a back and forth first half as the two teams combined for eight lead changes and seven ties. The Captains led by as many as three in the first half on two Chelsie Schweers free throws with 5:14 left to give CNU a 20-17 lead. Averett out-scored CNU 13-6 over the final five minutes of the half to take a 30-26 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Cougars extended their lead to six early in the second half on Sabrina Allen's lay-up with 18 minutes left to give Averett a 34-28 lead. Christopher Newport came back to re-take the lead by two on Michele Russell's two free throws with 10:32 left.

Averett re-gained the lead for good with 7:30 to go on Gretchen Sheperty's two free throws. The Captains stayed within one or two points for the next five minutes, but the Cougars free throws proved to be too much down the stretch.

For the game, AU was just 16-of-46 (35%) from the field, 2-of-10 from behind the arc and 29-of-39 (74%) from the line. Taylor Poirier paced Averett with 25 points and seven assists. Sheperty added 23 points and six rebounds off the bench.

The Captains finished 21-of-45 (47%) from the floor, 0-of-4 from long range and 13-of-20 (65%) from the line. Russell led Christopher Newport with a season-high 15 points. Jessica Carmon and Schweers each finished with 11 and Colandra Rollins had 10 points and nine boards.

AU improves to 5-10 overall and 3-5 in the USA South. The Captains fall to 10-4 overall and 5-2 in USA South play. CNU returns to action Saturday when they host Methodist at 2 pm.

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