Women's Basketball Drops 62-55 Decision At Catholic

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Christopher Newport's women's basketball team saw its two-game winning streak snapped Thursday evening as Catholic defeated the Lady Captains 62-55.

It was a battle for both squads as the two teams combined for 38 turnovers (22 by the Lady Captains) and 61 combined missed shots. CNU saw its best shooting from the floor come in the second half as they were 12-of-24 from the floor but finished just 5-of-10 from the free throw line.

Catholic won the game at the free throw line as they finished 28-of-35 (80%). On the year, the Cardinals shoot 75% from the charity stripe.

The Cardinals led at the break, 28-25. CUA shot just 8-of-26 (31%) from the field and 2-of-7 (29%) from downtown, but they finished 10-of-12 (83%) from the line. Catholic led by as many as 10 in the first half, but the Lady Captains went on a 9-1 run to cut the lead to two, 23-21, with 4:10 to go in the opening half on Michele Russell's lay-up.

Christopher Newport finished 10-of-29 (35%) in the first half, 1-of-5 from long range and 4-of-5 from the line.

In the second half, CNU took its first lead since very early in the first when Shantel Burwell hit a jumper from the left corner with 16:25 to go to put the Lady Captains on top 33-31. CNU would extend its lead to three on Nikki Rowland's bucket on their very next possession.

Catholic however quickly rebounded and tied the score at 35-35 on Jackie DeBorger's three-pointer with 14:37 to play. The Cardinals would take the lead for good with 10:06 to go on two free throws by Kristen Linderoth. CUA would lead 41-39 at that point.

CUA shot just 7-of-19 (37%) from the field in the second half and 15-of-45 (33%) for the game. They would also finish 2-of-6 from beyond the arc in the second stanza and 4-of-13 (31%) for the game.

Christopher Newport shot 22-of-53 (42%) from the floor and 2-of-8 from long range.

CUA was paced by Linderoth's 22 points. DeBorger finished with 18 and Shannon Mertz contributed 10 points.

Candace Bryant led the Lady Captains with 14 points and eight rebounds. Nikki Rowland contributed 10 points and seven boards.

Catholic improves to 8-4 on the year while Christopher Newport drops to 6-4. CNU returns to action Saturday as they travel to Mary Washington with tip-off set for 3 pm.

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