The 23rd ranked University of Mary Washington women's basketball team nearly pulled off a historic comeback, but in the end fell to 18th ranked Christopher Newport University, 59-53, on Wednesday night in Newport News, Va. The Eagles fall to 18-4 on the season, and 12-3 in Capital Athletic Conference action.

The Eagles used a pair of Brianne Comden layups and another from Elizabeth Dofflemyer to take a 6-4 advantage, but then, the Eagles' worst nightmare scenario occurred. Over the next quarter and a half, the Captains outscored UMW, 38-2, with the Eagles scoring only a pair of free throws.

The Eagles used halftime to regroup, and the comeback that ensued was nearly extraordinary. After being outscored, 19-2, in the second quarter, the Eagles outscored the Captains, 20-10, in the third. Freshman Elizabeth Dofflemyer led the charge with 10 points on 4-7 shooting, including a pair of three pointers. Megan Green added seven in the frame, as the Eagles limited the Captains to just eight shots in the period.

The comeback effort became significant in the fourth quarter. Brianne Comden started the frame with three straight baskets and a free throw, to cut the deficit to 52-35 with 7:39 remaining. The Eagles started the quarter on a 19-0 run, capped by a three pointer from Kendall Parker and a basket from Dofflemyer, cutting the margin to 52-47 with 2:39 to play.

After a CNU three pointer, Comden scored a three point play, and after trading points, Megan Green connected on a free throw with 50 seconds left to cut the deficit to three, at 56-53. The Captains connected on three free throws down the stretch, while the Eagles missed on several three-point attempts, giving the Captains the six-point win.

Comden led the Eagles with 19 points on on 7-14 shooting from the field and 5-6 free throws, and also added nine rebounds. Dofflemyer shot 6-13 from the field, including two three pointers, en route to 16 points, and Green added 10 points and eight rebounds.

UMW shot 30.5% from the field (18-59), making 5-18 three point shots and 12-14 free throws. CNU shot 35.3% from the field (18-51), making 9-20 three pointers and 14-24 free throws. CNU led in rebounds, 43-38, and both teams struggled with turnovers, with CNU committing 23 and UMW 19.

The Eagles will be back in action on Saturday afternoon when they host Marymount University at 1:00 p.m.