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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Second-seeded Christopher Newport University (21-5) pulled out a tough win with a grueling defensive effort down the stretch, dropping seventh-seeded Shenandoah University (9-17) in their final USA South game, 59-44. CNU shot just 35% from the field, but closed the game on a 19-3 run to pull away and earn a spot in the USA South Tournament semifinals this Friday night. The Captains will face #3 seed Greensboro College (22-4) at 5:30 pm at home in the Freeman Center.

Rookie Camry Green had a dominant performance on the glass for CNU, hauling in a career-high 16 rebounds. She overcame a tough night shooting with a solid effort from the charity stripe (7-10) to finish with a game-high 15 points.

Neither team could get into a flow offensively on the night, as missed shots plagued both ends of the floor. Shenandoah hit for 34.6% from the floor in the first half, while the Captains knocked down just 31.3% of their shots. Green led the way with nine rebounds, and four different CNU players had five points in the first half. CNU took a 26-21 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the shooting woes continued and Shenandoah was able to keep the game within one possession for over 12 minutes of game time in the middle of the half. The Hornets took the lead on a three-pointer by Kerby Hatter with 11:54 remaining, as Shenandoah went up 37-34, and then again by one on a layup by Ashleigh Council with 6:27 remaining, 41-40. The Hornets were unable to hold onto the lead, though, as CNU dominated the rest of the game.

Green led the way, scoring 8 points and adding three rebounds and three blocks in the final 6:27 as CNU pulled off the big 19-3 run. A pair of seniors came up in big spots on both ends of the floor, as Jerlisa Bowser picked up two big charge calls on the defensive side, and Kimmy Hopkins had two huge assists on the offensive end. With 3:40 to go and the Captains lead at 44-42, Bowser stepped in to take the hit. On the other end, Hopkins ran a perfect pick and roll with Nicole Mitchell for an easy layup and a then-game-high eight point lead. With 1:31 remaining, Bowser again forced the offensive foul and Hopkins lobbed a pass into Green for an easy layup and a ten-point lead.

The Captains closed out from the free-throw line and escaped with the 15-point win.  Green's 15 points and 16 rebounds were a game-best, while Tia Perry added 10 points and five boards.

Nicole Gilbertson was the only Hornet in double figures, scoring 14 points with seven in each half. Shenandoah played its final women's basketball game as a member of the USA South Athletic Conference, as they will move to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.