For More Information Contact: Scott Musa 540.665.5417

WINCHESTER, Va. (March 10, 2001) - The SU baseball team lost its second straight game Saturday afternoon, falling 5-2 to Christopher Newport University in Dixie Conference action at Bridgeforth Field.

Shenandoah (7-5, 0-1) lost its opening Dixie Conference contest of the season by giving up five runs in the final two innings of the game. Heading into the top of the eighth with a 2-0 lead, the Hornets allowed the Captains (6-2, 1-0) three runs on three hits by committing three defensive miscues.

CNU catcher Stephen Hatcher reached on an error by shortstop Jake Fielder (Fairfax, Va./Chantilly). After Jon Hurd single to center to move Hatcher to third, Hurd stole second base. Pitcher Chris Kees (Gore, Va./James Wood) had Hurd picked off of first, but first baseman Mike Gallagher (Springfield, Va./Hayfield) did not throw to second, allowing Hurd the base.

After Ben Howlett struck out, CNU tied the contest when second baseman John Cowell's (Devon, Pa./Conestoga) throw to home in an attempt to get Hurd was not in time. Ted Tignor then gave the Captains their first lead of the contest with an RBI single to left.

Both pitchers went the distance for their respective clubs. Rob Dye got the win for CNU; he improves his record to 3-2 on the season by scattering eight hits and two runs (one earned) over the nine innings. He also struck out two and walked four.

Kees falls to 2-3 with the loss. He gave up nine hits, five runs (three earned) and walked four against eight strikeouts.

Gallagher and Kees both had two hits each for the Hornets while Hatcher, Hurd and Glidewell did the same for CNU. Kees had to hit for himself for the first time in his SU career when designated hitter Chris Zaia (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus) had to replace starting catcher Shane Lloyd (Alexandria,Va./Hayfield) in the top of the second inning.

A complete box score can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/bb/2001/031001.htm

The two teams complete their weekend series on Sunday at 1:00.

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