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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.- Christopher Newport, ranked 22nd in the nation, lost for the first time in 2013 on Saturday, dropping a 24-21 decision at Methodist University. It was the USA South Athletic Conference opener for the Captains, who are now 3-1 overall.

CNU committed four turnovers and was penalized 88 yards on eight penalties in the road defeat. Methodist scored the game-winning touchdown with just 1:32 left in the fourth quarter on a one-yard plunge from quarterback Max Reber.

"We made a lot of mistakes, and we did not do enough to win," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said. "I was happy with our effort, especially on defense, but our offense was just not able to get anything going consistently."

CNU's stingy defense, which had allowed just 23 points in the first three games combined, gave up 24 points to the scrappy Monarchs. It was Methodist's second straight win over Christopher Newport, and the Captains now hold a 9-4 lead in the all-time series.

The Captains opened the scoring with a one-yard plunge from quarterback Marcus Morrast capping a game-opening nine-play, 42-yard drive. Mehodist got on the board with a second quarter field goal, and Christopher Newport took a 7-3 lead into halftime.

The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle with the squads exchanging leads. CNU went up 14-3 following a 43-yard touchdown pass from Morrast to junior Rudy Rudolph. The Monarchs bounced back with two third quarter scoring throws from Reber to Patrick Jacobs and Vaughn Cross. Methodist held a 17-14 lead following the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Captains jumped back ahead thanks to a defensive score. Sophomore Cameron Barlow returned an interception 26 yards to give CNU a 21-17 advantage with 11:41 left in the game.

Methodist would grab the lead back with 1:32 left on Reber's run, which was set up by a 69-yard pass play from Reber to Anthony Radke. The Captains got the ball back and sophomore Storm Parker returned the kickoff 50 yards to set CNU up at midfield, but the offense sputtered and the Monarchs hung on for the win.

For the second straight game, Morrast left the game with an injury in the third quarter and did not return. Senior Lyndon Garner finished the game, but threw two second-half interceptions. Senior receiver Richard Roethel caught five passes for 127 yards.

The Monarchs improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the USA South. CNU is now 3-1 overall and 0-1 in league play.

Christopher Newport will host North Carolina Wesleyan next Saturday night at 7 p.m. at POMOCO Stadium.