NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's women's basketball team stayed undefeated in USA South action Saturday with a 73-61 win over Averett.

The Cougars scored seven of the game's first nine points, to take an early 7-2 lead. CNU came right back to score six in a row to take the lead. The teams would battle back and forth, each taking the lead several times.

Christopher Newport led by seven, twice, in the opening half. Trailing 37-30 with seven seconds left, Averett's Liz Martin drove the length of the floor for a lay-up with time expiring, cutting the lead to five, 37-32, heading into the locker room at the half.

The Cougars opened the second half by scoring four straight to take a one point lead. The two teams again see-sawed back and forth just as they did in the opening half. It wasn't until after the eight minute mark that the Captains started pulling away. They forced numerous turnovers and bad shots from the Cougars.

The largest lead for CNU was the final margin, 12 points. CNU converted 22 turnovers into 31 points.

AU shot 21-of-59 (36%) from the field, 4-of-15 (27%) on three-point attempts and 15-of-24 (63%) from the charity stripe. Ashley Washington paced the Cougars with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Kristyn Wharton added 13 points and Liz Martin added 12 points.

Christopher Newport shot 27-of-64 (42%) from the floor, 1-of-4 (25%) from long range and 18-of-24 (75%) from the free throw line. Chelsie Schweers finished with a game-high 27 points. Jessica Moore had 14 points and Lauren Gural added 10.

AU falls to 8-6 overall and 4-3 in conference action. The Captains improve to 11-2 on the year and 6-0 in the USA South.

Christopher Newport returns to action Sunday as they host Ferrum at 2 pm.

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