For More Information Contact: Scott Musa 540.665.5417

WINCHESTER, Va. (September 1, 2001) - Shenandoah University nearly equaled visiting Bethany College in every statistical category Saturday night except the one that counted: the scoreboard. The Bison (1-0) scored 10 points in the second quarter and added a fourth quarter touchdown to defeat SU 17-0 before 2090 fans at James Wood High School's Jerry Kelican Stadium in both school's season opener.

The game was the last one that Shenandoah (0-1) will host off-campus; its 2000 seat Shentel Stadium is scheduled to open on September 15 when the Hornets host Gallaudet University.

Bethany scored what would prove to be the winning points in the ballgame with 10:59 to play in the first half when fullback Will Anderson capped an eight play, 59 yard drive by rumbling for a 15-yard touchdown run. With just 1:31 to play in the half, freshman Scott Henderson drilled a 26-yard field goal to make the score 10-0 Bethany.

The Hornets ensuing drive proved to be an omen of things to come, as the Hornets drove from their own 26 to the Bethany 39 only to throw a Josh Copp (Winchester, Va.) interception on the two yard line with four seconds to play.

SU was able to drive the ball deep into Bison territory on two different occasions in the final two quarters but came away with no points on either occasion. After driving the ball to the 13 on a 13 play, 67-yard drive, sophomore Morgan Linkenauger (Lanexa, Va.) had his 29-yard field goal attempted blocked by Travis McClain, giving BC possession on their own 10-yard line.

The Hornets' other good chance to score was muffed when junior Dennis Robart (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) was unable to gather in a handoff from quarterback Wayne Hogwood (Arlington, Va.), giving the visitors the ball back on their own 18.

Bethany's final score came with 12:42 to play when starting quarterback Jeremy Lacaria lofted an perfect pass down the right sideline that receiver Tony St. Angelo was able to corral just before stepping out of bounds.

Anderson led Bethany with 89 yards rushing on 18 carries, while Lacaria was 11 for 17 for 107 and the touchdown. Sophomore Anthony McGhee (Reston, Va.) was Shenandoah's leading rusher with 50 yards on 17 carries. He also had the longest gain of the night, a 24-yard scamper in the second quarter. Copp and Hogwood were a combined 8 for 16 for 111 yards for SU; Hogwood was 6 for 10 for 88 yards.

A complete box score can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/fb/2001/090101.htm

Shenandoah travels to Bridgewater next week for a 1:00 kickoff with the nationally ranked Eagles.

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