RALEIGH, N.C. - Newberry's first ever trip to the "Big Dance" was marred by a quick exit, as the Clayton College and State University Lakers put together a strong performance to down the Lady Indians, 79-54, at Spaulding Gymnasium on the campus of Shaw University in Raleigh.

Newberry held its only lead at 1-0 off a Karisa Dinges (Mendota, Ill.) free throw, but were quickly barraged with Clayton State's trap and a pair of three-pointers by Basia Bukowska.  The Lady Indians trailed 17-6 after six minutes of play, and would trail by a margin as great as 15 at 40-25 just before the half.  CCSU settled for a 42-29 lead at the break.

In the second act, the Lady Indians regathered themselves and came within six points of the higher seed off a 12-3 run coming out of halftime.  Tasha Hollingsworth (Phoenix, Ariz.) took charges on consecutive possessions.  Junior Jonelle Yaklich (LaSalle, Ill.) contributed five points during the run, a trey and two foul shots.

The Lakers responded with a 15-7 run of their own to put Clayton State ahead at 62-48.  Tonique Frasier (Walterboro, S.C.) was called for a foul, then a technical foul.  Another technical came from the Newberry bench, and Clayton followed with four made free throws and an old-fashioned three-point play to put the Lakers up 67-48.  The outcome was never in doubt following that sequence.

Carnicha Bellinger (Greenville, S.C.) scored ten points to pace Newberry, along with Ashlee Wright (Myrtle Beach, S.C.).  Wright made the most of her 21 minutes with 10 points on 3-for-5 shooting and 4-for-5 free throws, all career highs.  Frasier had nine points and a team-high six boards.

For Clayton State, Shelcey Harp scored 19 points and Jamike Hindsman added 15.  Brandi Catia was the other Laker in double figures with 11 points.

Newberry concludes its season at 18-12.