For More Information Contact: Scott Musa 540.665.5417

WINCHESTER, Va. (February 22, 2001) - The Shenandoah University baseball team scored at least one run in each of the first five innings of Tuesday's non-conference baseball game against Juniata, but it was not enough as the Eagles scored four runs in the fourth and four more in the sixth to propel themselves to a 12-8 victory over the Hornets in both school's season opener.

The loss also spoiled the opening game of new Head Coach Justin Cronk. Cronk took over as Shenandoah's skipper this past August.

SU (0-1) jumped on Juniata for five runs in the first three innings, as returning NCAA Division III batting champion Jeremy Schutt (Annandale, Va./Prince George's CC) drove in two runs in his first two at-bats with a single to leftfield in the first and a home run to left in the third. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Jake Fiedler (Fairfax, Va./Chantilly) was mowing the Eagles down; he allowed one hit through the first three innings while striking out one batter in each frame.

The wheels came off for Fiedler in the fourth however, as Juniata (1-0) scored four runs on two hits to bring themselves back into the contest. The Eagles also benefited from two hit batsmen, one of which came around to score.

Another hit batter and a fielding error by shortstop John Cowell (Devon, Pa./Conestoga) played a part in Juniata's four run sixth; the Eagles scored two unearned runs to take the lead for good at 8-7.

Cowell, Schutt, Fiedler and senior Tony Canterna (Baltimore, Md./Anne Arundel) all had two hits for the Hornets, with Fiedler also driving in a run.

Designated hitter Tim Keeley was 3 for 4 with 4 RBI on the day for Juniata.

Paul Evans got the win in relief for the Eagles; he allowed just one run on one hit while striking out three and walking one in five innings of work.

A full box score can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/bb/2001/022001.htm

Shenandoah travels to Virginia Wesleyan tomorrow for a 2:00 start.

Golf

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The golf team improved by five strokes Tuesday afternoon, shooting 346 on the second day of the NC Wesleyan/Don Scalf Invitational to place 7^th of nine teams with a 697.

Shenandoah shot a 351 on the first day of the 36 hole event, held at the par 72, 7122 yard Northgreen Country Club in Rocky Mount, N.C. Freshman Chris Fraser (Ogdensburg, N.Y./Ogdensburg) led SU with an 88-83--171 the placed him 27^th overall. Classmate Kevin Richards (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) was right behind Fraser with an 88-84--172 that earned him a 30^th place finish.

The team is now off until after they return from a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. The squad's next tournament is the Ferrum Tournament on March 12 and 13.

Complete Individual Results

Shenandoah University offers 16 intercollegiate sports, eight for men and eight for women. For further information, please contact the Office of Athletic Communications at 540-665-5417 or visit our web site at http://www.su.edu/athletics. For Dixie Conference Information, please visit the Dixie Conference home page: http://www.dixieconference.com.

Shenandoah University is a comprehensive Level V private university with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students in five schools: School of Arts & Sciences, Harry F. Byrd Jr. School of Business, Shenandoah Conservatory, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and the School of Health Professions (Athletic Training, Nursing, Respiratory Care, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant). The University offers more than 60 programs of study at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels