NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — If this was the final time the Christopher Newport women’s basketball team stepped onto the Freeman Center floor this season, they made sure it felt like a sendoff worthy of March.
In a 94–55 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg, the No. 16 Captains not only improved to 20–4 overall, they concluded their regular season home campaign with a performance that blended dominance, depth, and gratitude.
From the opening quarter, CNU established control.
Jessica Dornak opened the scoring with a layup in the paint, and by the end of the first quarter the Captains had built a commanding 32–14 lead. Madison McKenzie ignited the offense early, scoring 10 points in the opening period and drilling back-to-back three-pointers that stretched the defense and energized the home crowd. Mia Wilson added a three of her own and turned a steal into a putback layup, reinforcing the tempo that defines this team.
Virginia-Lynchburg refused to fold in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 11 at one point while navigating CNU’s full-court press with composure. At halftime, the rebounding numbers were nearly even, a testament to VUL’s effort on the glass. But the third quarter marked a shift.
Coming out of the locker room, CNU tightened its defensive pressure and executed its trapping schemes with greater precision. Hailey Kellogg found rhythm in the midrange and finished through contact. Caitlin Crump buried a corner three. McKenna Snively knocked down a jumper before connecting from beyond the arc as the lead expanded beyond 30.
By the fourth quarter, the Freeman Center crowd sensed the finality of the moment. This was not just another win. It was a home finale layered with contributions from throughout the roster.
CNU shot 47.9 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point range, converting 13 of 32 attempts from deep. The Captains assisted on 29 of their 34 made field goals, a reflection of the ball movement that has fueled their success all season. They also finished with a 47–34 rebounding advantage and turned defensive stops into 25 points off turnovers.
And once again, the bench proved to be a defining force.
Sixty-three points came from CNU’s reserves, underscoring the depth that head coach Bill Broderick has emphasized all year. Hazel Grepps delivered an all-around performance with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 23 minutes, impacting the game in nearly every statistical category.
After the game, Grepps reflected on the meaning of closing out the regular season at home.
“It felt really good because we just walked into the game and tried to do our best and end on a high note for our fans,” she said.
That sentiment captured the tone of the afternoon. It was not about individual accolades. It was about energy, effort, and appreciation.
Grepps also spoke about her approach on the floor, emphasizing motor and selflessness over statistics.
“I just try to take pride in my motor,” she said. “Personally, I don’t like to look and worry about my stats, but just try to get everyone involved and do everything I can.”
That mentality was visible in every loose ball chase, every defensive rotation, and every extra pass that led to an open shot.
Under Broderick, the “next woman up” philosophy has become structural rather than situational. Kendra Rigo added 12 points, stretching the defense with perimeter shooting. Multiple rotation players contributed meaningful minutes without a drop in intensity.
As the final seconds ticked away and the Captains secured a 39-point victory, it felt less like a closing chapter and more like a springboard.
If this was the last time CNU women’s basketball graced the Freeman Center floor in the regular season, it was a fitting reflection of what this program has built at home: defensive intensity, collective scoring, and a community that shows up.
In She’s Sailing to the Champion(ship), the journey toward March is rarely quiet.
It builds momentum.
And on Tuesday night, the wind was firmly at the Captains’ backs.
