NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Christopher Newport's women's basketball squad held off a late charge to defeat Mary Baldwin, 81-63, Wednesday night at the Freeman Center.

The Captains started the game on a 21-11 run to lead by 10 with 10:20 left in the opening half. The two teams then combined for six points over the next seven minutes, with CNU leading, 22-16 with 7:21 left.

MBC cut the lead to two, 26-24, with 3:07 left before Christopher Newport ended the half on a 10-0 run, which culminated on Kimmy Hopkins three-pointer with nine seconds left putting the Captains ahead, 36-24, at the break.

In the second half, CNU quickly extended its lead to 11 points early. The Squirrels wouldn't go quietly into that good night as they cut the lead down to four, going on an 8-1 run to trail, 47-43, with 14:14 left in the game.

CNU responded with a run of its own, 11-4, to extend its lead back to 11 with 11:05 remaining. Mary Baldwin continued to not give up as they clawed back into it, cutting the lead to three, 61-58, with 6:51 to go. The Captains had enough left in them for one more fight, going on a 9-0 run to lead by 12, which sealed it for the Captains.

For the game, the Squirrels shot 23-of-54 (43%) from the field, 3-of-7 (43%) from behind the arc and 14-of-19 (74%) from the free throw line. Kara Hawkins led the way for Mary Baldwin with 17 points and nine rebounds. Christie Hamilton finished with 15 points and Iiesha Ricks added 14.

Christopher Newport shot 30-of-62 (48%) from the floor, 5-of-13 (39%) from long range and 16-of-24 (67%) from the charity stripe. Jessica Moore led the way for CNU with 23 points, she also had seven rebounds. Chelsie Schweers finished three rebounds shy of a triple-double with 15 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Jerlisa Bowser had a season-high 17 points and Hopkins finished with 14.

Mary Baldwin falls to 3-14 overall and 1-10 in USA South play. The Captains improve to 12-3 overall and 7-1 in conference play.

CNU hits the road this weekend as they take on Greensboro Saturday and Methodist Sunday. Both games tip at 2 pm.

Box Score