ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- It wasn't easy or pretty at times, but Christopher Newport's women's tennis team stayed unbeaten in the USA South Athletic Conference with a 5-4 victory Tuesday at North Carolina Wesleyan.

Kim Morrissett and Lauren Kelly each came through with doubles and then singles victories for the Captains (9-2, 3-0), who were picked third in the conference preseason poll.

CNU went ahead 2-0 in doubles on an 8-5 victory by Kelly and Melisande Downs at No. 2, followed closely by an 8-6 triumph at No. 3 by Morrissett and freshman Jodi Noland, whose role in doubles figures to increase late in the season. The Bishops prevailed at No. 1 doubles to cut their deficit to 2-1 in the sunshine.

The Captains rolled relatively quickly to a 4-1 lead on a pair of 6-0, 6-2 triumphs by former James River High teammates Morrissett (at No. 3) and Sarah Stafford (at No. 1).

But N.C. Wesleyan (3-3, 1-2) stayed alive at 4-2 when Samia Kacher edged Marion Gloor in a third-set tiebreaker at No. 2.

Kelly took advantage of her opportunity to clinch the team victory at No. 6, beating Tija Riley 6-2, 6-4 to counteract the' Bishops triumphs in straight sets at Nos. 4 and No. 5.

CNU is scheduled to return to competition Friday at home against Averett and Saturday at home against Ferrum.

CNU 5, N.C. WESLEYAN 4
Doubles:
1. Samia Kacher-Kristin Seidel (NCWC) d. Marion Gloor-Sarah Stafford 8-5;
2. Melisande Downs-Lauren Kelly (CNU) d. Bristy Parker-Tori Jones 8-5;
3. Kim Morrissett-Jodi Noland (CNU) d. Carole Ateba-Tija Riley 8-6.

Singles:
1. Stafford (CNU) d. Ateba 6-0, 6-2;
2. Kacher (NCWC) d. Gloor 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4);
3. Morrissett (CNU) d. Seidel 6-0, 6-2;
4. Jones (NCWC) d. Noland 6-2, 6-3;'
5. Parker (NCWC) d. Downs 6-0, 6-3;
6. Kelly (CNU) d. Riley 6-2, 6-4;

Records:
CNU 9-2, 3-0 USA South;
NCWC 3-3, 1-2.