January 28, 2006
Offensive struggles hurt Lady Monarchs in 67-57 defeat at Christopher Newport
Williams paces Methodist with 15 points in defeat

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Returning to USA South Athletic Conference play on Saturday, the Methodist Lady Monarchs endured some offensive struggles in dropping a 67-57 decision at rival Christopher Newport at the Freeman Center. The defeat ends a two-game winning streak for the Lady Monarchs, who are now an even 8-8 overall and 3-3 in the USA South.

The shooting struggles were evident. Methodist shot only 32 percent (17-for-53) from the field, including only 18 percent (2-for-11) from 3-point range. The Lady Monarchs managed only 33 percent shooting from the field in the first half and only 31 percent in the second half.

After Christopher Newport led by as many as 11 points in the first half, Methodist lit a fire under the Lady Captains in the second half, keeping the deficit at single-digits for much of the half.

Two free throws by Ann Forsberg cut the Lady Captain lead to 39-33 with 14:55 remaining, and then Forsberg drained a 3-point basket at the 5:15 mark to make the Christopher Newport lead 54-49. Antionett Holliday then drained two free throws to bring the Lady Monarchs to within three, 55-52 with 3:19 remaining.

However, Methodist never got closer than four points. Christopher Newport connected on six free throws down the stretch and held Methodist to only two points in the final couple of minutes.

Stacy Williams paced Methodist with 15 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the field, while Lisa Jackson scored 10 points off the bench for the Lady Monarchs. Methodist got good production out of its bench with 27 points.

Nikki Rowland paced four Christopher Newport players in double-figures with 16 points, while Candace Bryant scored 15 points. Samantha Davis scored 14 points for the Lady Captains, and Shantel Burwell scored 10 points. Christopher Newport (10-7, 4-2) controlled the glass, out-rebounding Methodist 46-33.

Methodist continues its two-game USA South swing in Virginia with a 2 p.m. match-up on Sunday at Shenandoah.