The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team dropped a 56-49 decision to visiting Christopher Newport University on Wednesday evening at the Anderson Center. The Eagles slip to 16-6 overall, and 12-3 in Capital Athletic Conference play.

The Eagles jumped out to a 15-2 lead to start the contest, as senior Claire Haeuptle scored 11 points, including three 3 pointers, and UMW led, 15-2, with 14:01 left in the first. CNU used six straight points to cut the deficit to 16-11 with 9:02 remaining, but freshman Kayla Parks answered with five straight points for UMW.

With the Eagles' lead down to four, Sarah Listenbee scored a pair of baskets and senior Erin Drumheller added a pair of free throws as UMW closed the half on a 7-0 run to lead, 28-17, at halftime.

The Captains started the second half with a three pointer, propelling a run that cut the deficit to 31-29 with 13:04 remaining. A three pointer from freshman Kendall Parker returned the lead to five, but seven straight points gave CNU the lead at 36-34 with 10:03 remaining.

Another Haeuptle three gave the Eagles a 37-36 edge, but CNU answered with eight straight points to take a 44-37 lead with 6:25 remaining. The Eagles trimmed the deficit to three, at 50-47, with 1:26 left on a Taylor Barton layup, but CNUscored five straight to return the lead to eight , and were able to hold on for the seven-point win.

Haeuptle led the Eagles with 14 points with four three pointers, while Barton scored seven with eight rebounds. Drumheller was a perfect 8-8 from the line.

The Eagles shot 14-47 from the field (29.8%), making 6-9 three pointers, and went 15-22 from the free throw line. CNU shot 34.5% (19-55), making 7-27 three pointers, and was 11-18 from the free throw line. The Eagles held a 39-38 rebounding edge, but committed 21 turnovers to 17 for the visitors.

UMW will return to action on Saturday when they host Penn State-Harrisburg at 1:00 p.m.