Women's Basketball | 2/20/2010 5:43:21 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Monarchs gave Christopher Newport Captains a run, but the Captains prevailed 63-54 to finish the regular season undefeated.

Christopher Newport (25-0, 18-0) opened up the early 13-3 lead before the Monarchs moved within five on a free throw from junior Kayla Thompson. With seven minutes to play in the half, the Captains went ahead 25-15, but the Monarchs chipped away until they cut the lead to two with 3:24 on the clock Christopher Newport scored in the final minute to hold the 27-23 lead at halftime.

The Captains opened up the second half on a 6-0 run, but the Monarchs worked back into it and cut the lead to two once again on a jumper from junior Dawn Sanderson. Christopher Newport went ahead by as many as 12, but Methodist never stopped battling cutting the lead to three after free throws from senior Dezzire Gilliard.

Methodist fouled down the stretch, but Christopher Newport hit free throws to secure the 63-54 victory. The Monarchs finish the regular season 15-10 overall and 11-7 in the conference and will host Shenandoah in the first round of the USA South Tournament on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tournament Seeding

Box Score