The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team opened up Saturday's contest with Christopher Newport with a 14-4 lead, but couldn't complete the victory in a 65-44 loss to the Captains in Fredericksburg, Va.

The Eagles, who were up 10 after a layup and an and-one conversion from Jenna Steadman, slowly watched their lead dwindle away in the last five minutes of the opening period. The Captains ended the first period with a 21-20 lead and opened the second quarter up with a 14-0 run before UMW chipped into the lead, facing a 35-24 deficit at the half. In the third period, CNU outscored Mary Washington by five, 16-9, and then three more in the fourth, 14-11.

All told, the Eagles were 16-of-52 from the floor, which included a 3-pointer in the first quarter, while CNU was 21-of-60 (35%) from the floor and 8-for-26 from deep. Too, Christopher Newport outrebounded the Eagles 43-39.

Steadman led Mary Washington with nine points, while Elizabeth Barry and Julina Mabie had six each. Breana Valentine and Megan Baxter contributed with a pair of steals.

The Eagles are back in action next Saturday against Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Va. at 1:00 p.m.