DANVILLE, Va. -- The 8th ranked Christopher Newport University Captains (19-3, 13-2) suffered a tough loss on the road today, as the Averett Cougars (13-10, 8-8) stunned the Captains in a 58-50 final. CNU pulled all the way back within two in the second half, but could not overcome the turnover struggles that plagued the team in the setback.

CNU's Chelsie Schweers led the way with 24 points and with her first of four three-pointers, took over sole possession of second all-time in career 3-pointers made in NCAA Division III Women's Basketball history. She passed Meegan Garrity (Clark) with 368 and trails only Melissa Beyruti (Kean) who finished her career with 397. 

Averett snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Captains with the win, led by Deandra Brown's defense and Ashley Washington's offensive game. Brown was tremendous defensively, grabbing seven steals and blocking one shot, while she also added eight points and five rebounds. Washington scored a team-high 16 points while grabbing seven rebounds.

CNU's turnover struggles led to 18 points off turnovers for the Cougars in the first half, as the Captains gave the ball away 15 times in the first 20 minutes. Averett jumped out to an 11-point halftime lead, 33-22, and extended the lead to a game-high 14 with 15:45 remaining in the game. 

The Captains chipped away after that, possessing the ball better and knocking down more shots down the stretch, led by Schweers. The senior Captain from Chesapeake scored nine straight points to get CNU back within seven at 42-35 with 12:07 remaining, including back-to-back three-pointers. 

After a couple of back-and-forth minutes, Schweers pulled CNU back within two on an assist from Jerlisa Bowser, as Schweers knocked down another three. The trey came with 2:31 remaining in the game as the Captains pulled back within 50-48. Averett forced a huge turnover on the next time down and closed the game on an 8-2 run to earn the win.

Schweers scored 24 points on 6-13 from the floor, adding 8-10 from the free-throw line and a season-high eight rebounds.Barbara Davis added nine points and five rebounds with two blocks, while Lauren Gural had four points, six rebounds and three assists.

It was just the second time this season CNU has been held to less than 60 points in a game. The Captains shot 34.9% from the field in the game on 35-43 shooting. 

CNU will now head to Ferrum College for a huge matchup on Sunday at 2:00 pm.