ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – The Christopher Newport women's basketball team improved to 14-2 with a 7-2 mark in CAC play after defeating St. Mary's (MD) Wednesday, 63-58. After weathering a slow start and trailing by four at the half, CNU used a 21-9 third quarter to seize control.
 
It was the ninth consecutive win for the Captains and the tenth consecutive win in the all-time series against the Seahawks. More importantly, the win kept CNU one game back of the CAC leading Marymount Saints who defeated Salisbury 48-45 in overtime.
 
St. Mary's used a quick start from Nina Haller and Anna McClain who each contributed four points in the first quarter, a period in which CNU shot only 2-16 from the floor.  The Captains victimized themselves in the first period turning the ball over six times and missing all five of their attempts from beyond the arc.
 
After shaking off the dreadful start, Devon Byrd provided the spark the Captains were looking for. Taking an entry pass from sophomore guard, Mackenzie Fancher, Byrd stepped past Haller on the baseline and connected on her first of nine second-quarter points. Byrd finished with 15 points and 8 rebounds.
 
Despite trailing at the half, The Captains came to life after intermission. Anitra Thomas quickly made a bucket and was followed a possession later by Fancher who knocked down her first of three second-half three-pointers. The combination of Fancher and Thomas extending the Seahawks defense with their six second-half threes opened up space close to the basket where sophomore forward Sam Porter went to work.
 
After being held to only two points in the first half, Porter collected 10 in the second, with six coming on second chance opportunities. Porter led all players with 12 rebounds with eight on the offensive glass. With 12 points to match her 12 rebounds, Porter collected her second double-double of the season following her 13 point, 10 rebound effort last week at Mary Washington.
 
With the win, CNU continues their hot play in 2016 and runs their win streak to nine games. The Captains win streak is more than a month old dating back to a win at Virginia Wesleyan on December 13. Pending any changes to the weekend's schedule due the expected winter weather, CNU returns to action on Saturday at Frostburg State. Tip is currently scheduled for 1 p.m.