NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Host Christopher Newport built a big first half lead and coasted home to a 90-65 USA South Conference women's basketball victory over Shenandoah Wednesday night.

CNU (12-7, 6-2) led 55-24 at the break over SU (11-7, 4-4) to build an insurmountable advantage. The 25-point victory allows the Lady Captains to split the season series - Shenandoah had opened the conference season with a 66-64 win in Winchester on January 10. 

With just nine healthy players due to injuries to Kelly Duffy and Katherine Flint, the Hornets could only watch as Christopher Newport jumped out to that 21-point halftime lead by making 21 of its 35 attempts from the field. In addition to that 60 percent shooting performance, the hosts also were 13 of 16 from the free throw line.

Coach Michelle Guyant-Holloway's club rebounded to score 41 of the game's 86 second half points, but it was too little, too late. CNU maintained at least 22-point lead during the remainder of the game and finished the contest by not allowing a field goal for the closing 2:17.

Senior Alicia Sanders had a game-high 22 points for the visitors with Cassie Womack adding 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Candice Bryant led four CNU players in double figures with 17 points.

Box Score 

Shenandoah hosts NC Wesleyan on Saturday and Peace Sunday in a pair of USA South Conference contests.