NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Senior Day inside the Freeman Center was about legacy, leadership, and the championship standard that has defined Christopher Newport women’s basketball under head coach Bill Broderick.
With No. 17 CNU entering at 18–4 overall and 7–1 at home, the afternoon was set to honor seniors McKenna Snively and Hailey Kellogg. By the final buzzer, the Captains had delivered one of their most statistically dominant performances of the season, overwhelming Regent University 98–30 and improving to 19–4. What unfolded was not just a win. It was a statement about depth, defensive pressure, and identity as postseason play approaches.
From the opening tip, CNU imposed its will defensively. The Captains forced 31 Regent turnovers and converted them into 41 points off turnovers, turning defensive disruption into immediate offense. Regent shot just 22.2 percent from the field and 15.4 percent from three-point range, unable to establish any consistent rhythm against Broderick’s relentless pressure. CNU also controlled the paint, outscoring Regent 52–12 inside while adding 21 fast-break points. The second quarter illustrated the defensive ceiling of this group, as Regent managed only six points in the period and CNU extended its lead to 45–15 at halftime. Three of the four quarters saw Regent held under double digits.
Even after a 68-point victory, Broderick’s message remained measured. He emphasized that the team has not yet hit its peak and that the focus remains on playing its best basketball in late February. That mindset, especially after such a commanding performance, reflects a program built around sustained excellence rather than momentary dominance.
If the turnovers fractured Regent’s structure, the rebounding margin erased any hope of recovery. CNU outrebounded Regent 60–34, including 29 offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions translated into 33 second-chance points, compared to just four for Regent. Kaycee Doughty, Hazel Grepps, and Kendra Rigo consistently attacked the glass, embodying the physical tone that has become synonymous with Broderick’s teams. Possession by possession, the Captains wore Regent down.
The defining statistic of the afternoon was 76 bench points. CNU’s reserves nearly doubled Regent’s entire team output, underscoring the “next woman up” philosophy Broderick often references. He noted after the game that the team regularly plays 12 to 14 players and does not rely on a single individual. That approach was evident in every rotation he sent onto the floor.
Kendra Rigo delivered one of her most efficient outings of the season, scoring 23 points on 8–12 shooting, including 5–8 from beyond the arc. She added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in just 20 minutes. Her third-quarter surge stretched Regent’s defense and ignited another offensive run that effectively sealed the outcome. Rigo later explained that the performance was about honoring the seniors and credited the team’s unselfish play, emphasizing that everyone looked for the extra pass and avoided selfish possessions.
Hazel Grepps filled the stat sheet with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five steals, consistently disrupting Regent’s backcourt. Sydney Richardson added 12 points and five assists, capitalizing on defensive lapses and pushing tempo in transition. Kaycee Doughty contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, thriving in the interior and on second-chance opportunities. Elizabeth Creed added nine points, while Denniyah Tanner chipped in seven. CNU finished with 23 assists on 37 made field goals, shot 43.5 percent overall and 37 percent from three-point range, and converted 14 of 20 free throws.
The lead grew to as much as 69 points, and Regent never held an advantage. The game was tied only three times and featured no lead changes, further illustrating CNU’s control from start to finish.
While the box score reflects dominance, the emotional core of the afternoon belonged to Snively and Kellogg. The senior duo helped build a foundation that includes three straight conference championships, over 100 career wins, and one of the highest winning percentages in program history. Broderick expressed gratitude for their leadership and impact, noting that their journey is not yet finished and that meaningful basketball remains ahead.
With one final home game remaining before the regular season closes, CNU appears to be sharpening at precisely the right time. A team capable of forcing 31 turnovers, scoring 41 points off those mistakes, dominating the glass by 26 rebounds, and producing 76 bench points is not simply talented. It is layered, disciplined, and built for depth-driven success.
Under Bill Broderick, that layering has become the identity. On Senior Day, She’s Sailing to the Champion(ship) was not just a title. It was reflected in every defensive trap, every offensive rebound, and every extra pass that led to another score.
The Captains are not drifting toward March. They are accelerating into it.
