GREENSBORO, N.C.- In a thrilling back-and-forth matchup, the Guilford women's basketball team put up an impressive fight but ultimately fell to No. 6/10 Christopher Newport University by a tally of 75-68, on Wednesday evening at the Ragan-Brown Field House on Jack Jenson Court.
This battle marked the seventh meeting between the two programs, with the Quakers dropping to a record of 11-8, while remaining 5-5 in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play. Meanwhile, The Captains extended their impressive season to 20-1.
GC was led by
Carleigh Perry (Faith, N.C.), who delivered a season-high 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc, a team and personal best. She also grabbed five rebounds and provided a key presence on both ends of the floor.
Courtney McMillan (Lexington, N.C.) followed-up with 16 points, five rebounds, and two blocks while shooting an efficient 8-for-12 from the charity stripe.
Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d'Olonne, France) contributed 12 points, notching her 15th game with ten or more points this season. The sophomore added five assists and three steals to complete her statline. Providing a spark off the bench,
Taylor Dunn (Charlotte, N.C.) pitched in with 15 points, including three from beyond the arc.
Anna Giannopoulou (Athens, Greece) was a menace on the board, securing a team-high eight rebounds.
For the Captains, Alexia Lindsey led the way with 16 points and three rebounds, shooting 5-for-6 from the field. Camille Malagar secured 13 points and four boards, while Hannah Orloff dominated the paint with 12 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks.
From the opening tip, Guilford established themselves as worthy competitors. The first quarter saw a flurry of lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Dunn drained a three-pointer early, giving GC an initial spark. Perry followed with a pair of layups, McMillan showcased her versatility, battling in the paint while converting free throws to keep the game close. Despite Christopher Newport's strong inside play, Guilford held a narrow 19-17 lead at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with neither team able to create separation. Perry and Bayer were instrumental with the two combining for 12 points. Bayer opened up with a layup and a pair from the charity stripe before CNU executed a 10-point run to bring them to a score of 33-23.
Markayla Massenburg (Raleigh, N.C.) stopped the run with a middy of her own, followed by a triple from Perry. Although showing a strong offensive effort, CNU's Orloff and Malagar were able to respond to close the quarter with a tally of 47-45 heading into the locker room.
Coming out of the break, Guilford played their best basketball of the night. The Quakers erupted offensively, shooting a blistering 72.7% from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from downtown. Perry and Bayer led the charge, combining for several crucial points. Giannopoulou continued to dominate the board, securing three defensive rebounds to help GC's offensive spark. Dunn provided seven needed points to give the Quakers a lead. At the end of the third, Guilford outscored Christopher Newport 22-15, reclaiming a 57-52 advantage heading into the final period.
With upset hopes brewing, the Captains responded in the fourth quarter, showcasing why they are among the top teams in the country. CNU leaned on their depth and defensive pressure, forcing several GC turnovers. Lindsey provided a layup while Malagar notched the only three pointer of the quarter. The Quakers, despite their valiant effort, struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm, managing 11 points in the final quarter. In the closing minutes, CNU took advantage of late fouls, sinking 16 free throws in the fourth quarter alone. Guilford attempted to rally behind Perry, Walter, and McMillan, who each added key buckets down the stretch. However, the Captains prevailed and controlled the pace of play till the end, securing a 75-68 victory.
The Quakers return home looking to get back in the win column as they prepare to face the University of Lynchburg on Saturday, February 1. Tip-off is slated for 2 PM.
#GoQuakes
