NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University erased a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat visiting Shenandoah 76-59 in USA South Conference women's basketball action at the Freeman Center Wednesday evening.

CNU (7-5 overall, 2-1 USA South) trailed 43-34 at the break, but outscored the Hornets (2-8, 0-2) 42-16 in the second half to secure the victory.

After shooting Shenandoah 48.6 percent (18 of 37) in the first half, Coach Kathy Orsini's squad lost control of the contest by making just 8 of 43 shots (18.6 percent) in the final 20 minutes of play. The Hornets also committed 15 of their 21 turnovers in this half.

CNU prevented Orsini's squad from staying in it by going on a pair of runs in the first 10 minutes of the half. The Lady Captains opened the second with a 9-0 run and after freshman Cassie Womack (Alexandria, Va./Hayfield) briefly gave the visitors the lead back with a bucket at the 16:49 mark, the Lady Captains reeled off an 8-0 run over the next 4:04 to take a lead they would never relinquish.

Freshman Jess Hutt had a game high 18, Tommorrow Lofton 16, Candice Bryant 14 and Sam Davis 11 for the hosts while Womack had 15 and senior Katie Woods (Winchester, Va./Sherando) 14 for SU. Sophomore Dee Fisher (Arlington, Va./Yorktown) had a game high 10 rebounds.

A complete box score and play by play can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/wb/200304/011404.htm

Shenandoah hosts NC Wesleyan Saturday afternoon at 2:00 in its USA South Conference home opener. This game is also the lid-lifter in a doubleheader with the men.