NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Shenandoah University women's basketball team concluded its 20 years in the USA South Conference with a 59-44 USA South Tournament loss to Christopher Newport University Tuesday evening.

The Hornets (9-17) had a three-point lead midway through the second half over the Captains (21-5), but the regular season co-champions proved too tough for SU.

The loss ends 20 years of USA South Conference membership for the women's basketball team. The women's hoopsters, along with the rest of the department, officially joins the Old Dominion Athletic Conference on July 1.

Against CNU, Shenandoah held a 37-34 lead with 11:54 remaining following a 3-pointer from senior Kerby Hatter, but the Captains had an answer.

Christopher Newport scored 10 of the game's next 14 points in just over 6:30 to take a 44-41 lead with 5:18 left.

SU would get no closer than two points the rest of the way.

The Captains, who shared the regular season title with Ferrum and Greensboro, continued to apply pressure and eventually pushed their lead out to 10 points by the 1:12 mark.

CNU then hit seven of 10 free throws in the final 72 seconds to seal the victory.

Junior Nicole Gilbertson paced the Hornets with 14 points while Hatter added seven and Sara D'Amico six.

Camry Green had a game-high 15 for the victors.

Christopher Newport owned a 43-32 edge on the glass, including 22-12 bulge in the second.

The Hornets will announce their 2012-13 schedule in late March.

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