LYNCHBURG, VA - The Chowan University women's basketaball team dropped their season opener 63-54 on the road to Virginia University of Lynchburg on Sunday. The Hawks erased a twenty-point early first half deficit but couldn't bounce back to take control of the game. Janelle Murphy scored a team-high 19 points in the loss. 

The Hawks trailed 24-4 early in the game but battled back to cut the VA-Lynchburg lead to 34-20 heading into the halftime period. Despite Murphy's 20 points, the Hawks couldn't overcome the Lady Dragons defense to pull within striking distance. 

Along with Murphy's 19 points, teammate Courtney Smith added 17 points in the loss. Chowan falls to 0-1 on the year after tonight's game. CU will travel to Wilberforce, Ohio on Thursday to take on Central State University. 

(NOTE: Box scores were not available at the time of this release)