NEWPORT NEWS, VA (11/29/05) -- Christopher Newport's women's basketball team scored the first 14 points and held on to defeat Guilford 71-56 in the Lady Captains home opener Tuesday evening.

The Captains led 14-0 with 14:53 left in the opening half before the Quakers got on the board on a lay-up by Shevon Hackett.

Christopher Newport would lead by as many as 20 in the first half, 39-19, with 43 seconds left. Guilford's Dionne Graham and Kristine Ellis each scored a bucket in the final 29 seconds to cut the lead to 16, 39-23, at halftime.

Guilford was just 9-of-25 (36%) shooting in the first half, 0-of-3 on three's and 5-of-9 (56%) from the free throw line. The Lady Captains had a crisp first half, finishing 14-of-31 (45%) from the floor, 7-of-12 (58%) on three's and 4-of-5 (80%)_from the charity stripe. Nikki Rowland of Christopher Newport led all scorers at intermission with 11 points. Michele Russell had nine points for the Captains. Jennifer King had six for Guilford at the half. 

The Quakers actually out scored the Lady Captains in the second half by one, 33-32. Christopher Newport built a 25-point lead, 62-37 with 7:41 left before Guilford began to chip away at the lead. The Quakers went on a 17-3 run to cut the lead to 11 with 1:35 left, but could get no closer, as the Lady Captains were able to close out the win scoring six of the last eight points.

Guilford was 12-of-37 (32%) from the floor, 3-of-6 (50%) on three's and 6-og-9 (67%) from the stripe. For the game, the Quakers finished 21-of-62 (34%) from the field, 3-of-9 (33%) on three's and 11-of-18 (61%) from the free throw line.

Christopher Newport was 13-of-35 (37%) from the floor, 4-of-11 (36%) on three's and 2-of-6 (33%) from the line. Christopher Newport also committed 11 turnovers in the second half. For the game, the Lady Captains finished 27-of-66 (41%) from the field, 11-of-23 (48%) from behind the arc and 6-of-11 (55%) from the line.

Guilford was paced by Jennifer King with 28 points on 10-of-23 shooting  and nine rebounds. She scored 22 points of her 28 points in the second half. Also in double figures was Kristinie Ellis who finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Christopher Newport was led by Nikki Rowland's 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-9 from behind the arc. She also had six assists and five rebounds. Shantel Burwell added 12 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench. Also in double figures was Candace Bryant with 10 points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes.

The Quakers are now 0-3 on the year. Guilford returns to action Friday in the Salisbury Tournament where they will open up with Waynesburg at 1:00 p.m.  The Lady Captains improve to 2-2 on the season. Christopher Newport will host Chowan this Saturday at 2 pm.