SALEM, Va. -- Down one with five seconds to play, the Captains called on Anaya Simmons to make a play and the sophomore forward did just that, slashing to the basket and converting a bucket through contact for an old-fashioned game-winning three-point play. Christopher Newport women's basketball edged out Roanoke College (8-2) in exhibition play on Tuesday night, 75-73, courtesy of the buzzer-beating play by Simmons stunning the Maroons after a would be winning basket by the home team with five seconds remaining. 

The last-second field goal from Simmons and ensuing free-throw elevated her game-high scoring total to 18 points on a 7-for-11 shooting performance from the field. Fellow CNU forward Natalie Terwilliger finished the game with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for the Captains. In the Captains backcourt, junior Sondra Fan scored 12 points while rookie Gabbi San Diego dished out six assists to go with five points in the contest. 

All but ten seconds of the final quarter was played within one possession as the teams continuously answered the others call. The Captains trailed by as many as seven in the second half when Roanoke took a 49-42 lead with 3:03 remaining in the third quarter. CNU erased the lead with back-to-back three-pointers from Phylicia McInnis and Fan, along with a free-throw by San Diego. 

The largest lead of the matchup came early in the first quarter when the home team raced out to a 10-2 lead, but eight was as big as it would get for either team. The game played close throughout with both teams capitalizing on short bursts. Christopher Newport utilized a 16-8 second quarter to take a 34-31 lead at the break. 

The Captains defense forced 29 turnovers, including a game-clinching error after the and-one play for Simmons to ice the victory. CNU shot 38.6% (27-70) in the game and hit eight three-pointers. 

The exhibition was the first of three games in five days for the Captains who will take on Southern Virginia University on the road this Thursday, March 4. Tip is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Knights Sports Arena.