NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Randolph led for most of the first half, but fell to 5-1 after a strong effort from Christopher Newport in women's basketball action.

Seeking its best start and longest winning streak in program history, Randolph held its own against a Christopher Newport (4-1) team that was ranked No. 3 at the beginning of the season and currently sits at No. 11 and No. 15 in the two national polls.

Early, the WildCats took their first edge on a three by first-year Brie Holdren (Bedford, Va./Staunton River) and grew an advantage as large as 14-8 on a three by senior Emilee Dunton (Forest, Va./Brookville) on its way to leading for over 10 minutes in the first half.

With 5:23 remaining in the first half, Randolph finally conceded its 22-21 edge and the Captains never looked back, winning 83-57.

With CNU holding a lead of nine just before intermission, junior Jensen Hoover (Woodstock, Va./Central) hit a layup seeking to gain momentum before the break.

The Captains went on a 7-0 run in the final 44 seconds of the first half to double their lead, however. After another Hoover bucket to start the second half, CNU used an 11-0 run to put the game away.

Junior Chelsea Tyler (Richmond, Va./Henrico) led the WildCats with 12 points.

Korin Harris (Brandywine, Md./Elizabeth Seton) once again led the team in rebounds with nine. The first-year has had either nine or 10 rebounds in five of the team's first six contests. 

Tia Perry scored 26 points for Christopher Newport.

Randolph returns to action on Tuesday against another 2013 NCAA tournament participant, Eastern Mennonite.