VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Christopher Newport's women's basketball team suffered a tough overtime loss to the Marlins of Virginia Wesleyan College on Monday night.  The Captains lost by 10 as the final score was 83-73.

 

It was a see-saw first half with neither team leading by more than eight, with VA Wesleyan taking a 37-31 lead into the locker room at halftime.

 

In the second stanza, the Marlins led by as many as 10, 49-39, with 16:51 left to play. The Captains went on a 16-6 run to tie the score at 55-55 with 6:42 on Chelsie Schweers only three-pointer of the game.

 

CNU would lead by as many as three but VA Wesleyan came back to take a one point lead with 1:49 left. With 10 seconds left, Jessica Moore missed a shot and got her own rebound and was fouled. She went to the line for two free throws with a chance to give her team the lead. She missed the first and made the second to force the overtime session.

 

In overtime, VA Wesleyan scored the first five points, but the Captains cut the lead to one with 1:56 to go. The Marlins would respond with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession which sealed the game from there.

 

The Marlins' victory was paced by Tonia Jones, who had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and an assist.  Also contributing was Maggie Smith, who posted 7 points, 12 boards, and 3 assists.

 

Meanwhile, CNU was lead by sophomore Jessica Moore who had 23 points, 6 rebounds, and an assist.  In addition, the Captains got double-digit scoring efforts from Lauren Gural (12), Schweers (11), and Kimmy Hopkins (10).  And Alysa Kerr fell just short of a double-double, with 8 points and 8 assists.

 

The loss is the first of the season for the Captains, dropping their record to 4-1 overall.  Their next game is January 3^rd in Arlington, VA where they will take on the Saints of Marymount University.  Tip off is set for 5:00pm.