STAUNTON, Va. - The CNU women's basketball team once again survived a second half rally, but held on to defeat Mary Baldwin, 77-72, Saturday afternoon to run its season-opening winning streak to 12.

The Captains built a 21-point first half lead,  33-12, with 7:04 remaining on a jump shot by Brandy Thomas, but the Fighting Squirrels managed to cut the margin at halftime to just 41-34.

In the second half, Mary Baldwin actually pushed in front, 53-52, at the 10:49 mark and stayed with CNU until a pair of free throws by Kimmy Hopkins with 5:32 to go put the Captainson top to stay, 65-64. Still, CNU's biggest lead the rest of the way was just five points.

Chelsie Schweers again led CNU, scoring 24 points and making four steals. Hopkins chipped in with 16 points, while Jessica Moore had ten points and ten rebounds. 

Sabrina Desper and Kara Hawkins each scored 18 for Mary Baldwin which is now 4-4 and 3-2 in conference play.

The Captains are now 12-0 and 5-0 in the USA South. They return to the Freeman Center Wednesday night to take on N.C. Wesleyan at 5:30.

The box score