CALDWELL, N.J. - Freshman forward Dana Leary (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata) (pictured) reached career highs with 15 points and 15 rebounds as Caldwell College defeated Post University 81-69 in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference women's basketball game Thursday night at the George R. Newman Center. Five players scored in double figures for the Cougars, who improved to 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the CACC. The Eagles dropped to 0-6 overall and 0-4 in the conference.

The Eagles jumped out to an early 9-6 lead on the strength of two three-pointers and a lay-up from Courtney McGinnis. But the Cougars quickly made up the deficit with an 18-3 run to lead 24-12 with 11:11 left in the first half. After a three-pointer from sophomore Shannon Coyle (Matawan, NJ/St. John Vianney) gave Caldwell a 29-16 advantage with 6:49 on the clock, the Eagles closed to within seven on a 10-4 run. But the Cougars finished the half with an 8-2 run to take a 41-28 lead into the break.

The Cougars started slowly in the second half, allowing Post to cut the lead to 42-38 with 17:46 remaining. Caldwell worked the lead back up to 10, but the Eagles fought back to cut the deficit to 54-49 with 13:27 left in the game. But that's as close as the Eagles would get, as the Cougars outscored Post 17-4 over the next 6:29 to effectively put the game out of reach. The Eagles managed to come within seven points in the final minute of the game, but it wasn't enough as the Cougars picked up their second CACC win of the season.

The Cougars were helped by a 52-22 advantage in free throw attempts, as well as a 55-37 edge in rebounds.

Freshman guard Corrie McIntyre (Highland Park, NJ/Highland Park) led all scorers with 17 points, while Coyle finished with 12 points, five assists and four steals. Freshman guard Melissa Shubiak (Manville, NJ/Immaculata) scored a career-high 12 points on 9-of-10 shooting from the free throw line, and sophomore guard Jenn Murray (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) scored 11 points. For Leary, the game marked her second double-double in just six collegiate games. McGinnis had 16 points and Tadj Williams recorded 14 points and eight boards for Post.

The Cougars return to action this Saturday, Dec. 11, when they play at Felician College in a CACC battle. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.