NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Despite a promising start, the Southern Virginia University women's basketball team lost its first game in nearly a month to Christopher Newport, 79-55.

The old Capital Athletic Conference rivals engaged in another high intensity contest, with the Captains looking to respond to last year's upset loss to the Knights in Buena Vista.

After the opening tip, it was Southern Virginia who was getting the best of the home team. A steal and score from Abigail Snyder put the Knights up 9-2 just past the two-minute mark.

After entering the second quarter with a 20-18 advantage, the team went on a run of 11 consecutive points to vault themselves to a double-digit lead. Anna Kimball and Ruth Kempler were getting their way in the paint and dominated the glass.

Unfazed, the Captains turned up their defensive pressure to force a few Knight turnovers and several tough shots. They trimmed the lead to just one before the halftime break, 31-30.

In the second half, it was all Christopher Newport. They held Southern Virginia to 24 second-half points to avoid another upset.

Ruth Kempler continues to look good in her return from injury, posting 18 points to go with five boards and five assists. Anna Kimball tallied five blocks and Abigail Snyder finished with 14 points.

Looking Ahead 

The Knights return home for a mini two-game homestand starting this Saturday, January 31st when they battle with Meredith, tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM.

The game will also serve as an opportunity to remember Southern Virginia's women's basketball 2006 USCAA National Championship team , a 20th anniversary celebration.  

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_wbb on Instagram.