Buena Vista, VA - The Southern Virginia University women's basketball team pulled off a shocker on Wednesday night, defeating Christopher Newport, the eighth-ranked team in the nation, 69-65.

The Knights came out firing from beyond the arc in the first quarter. Maria Savvun and Abigail Snyder combined for four three-pointers to help them jump out to an early 16-7 lead. The Captains fought back by drawing several offensive fouls, but the Knights carried an 18-16 lead into the second quarter.

Both teams played well defensively, forcing several turnovers and scoring at will on the fast break. Addison Newman came alive in the second quarter, scoring the Knights' last two buckets before halftime to slow down a big run from their opponents.

The score was tied at the start of the second half, 32-32. The teams traded buckets the rest of the way, with neither side able to create a lead of more than eight points. With several key players in foul trouble, Southern Virginia didn't shy away from the Captains and played superb defense at key moments in the game.

Ruth Kempler shined brightest on the defensive end, recording three blocks in consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter. Her three steals and four total blocks were both game-highs. In the final minutes, Abigail Snyder put the team on her back, tying the game on three separate occasions with six straight points.

With the score tied 65-65, Maria Savvun maneuvered her way down the lane and made a clutch layup with twelve seconds remaining to take the lead. Alyssa Weiland drew a key charge just seconds later that allowed Savvun to ice the game with two made free throws. The Knights came away with a signature victory to improve their record to 6-2 this season.

Ruth Kempler had a huge night, finishing with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Snyder added 18 points, while Newman finished with 14 to lead the Knights' offense.

The Knights will be off until Saturday, when they travel to face Mary Washington on Saturday, December 7th, at 2:00 PM. For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_wbb on Instagram.