SU softball earns big home sweep

WINCHESTER -- The Shenandoah University softball team registered a school first on Tuesday by sweeping a pair of non-league games with Messiah College.

The Hornets (5-3) became the first Shenandoah team, male or female, to ever beat the nation's top-ranked team with 5-4 and 7-6 wins over No. 1 Messiah (3-2).

The men's basketball team's win over then No. 2 Christopher Newport in 2000 was the previous highest-ranked team a Shenandoah squad had knocked off until Tuesday's sweep.

In the opener, senior Lauren Wall had the big hit, driving in Ashley Plaugher and Jolisa Jones with a one-out single to center in the sixth inning.

Following a pop-out to start the sixth, Plaugher doubled to center and Jones was hit by a pitch.

A five-run third inning gave the Hornets a lead they would not relinquish in the nightcap.

Shenandoah continues its non-conference play today, taking on 2009 NCAA tournament participant Neumann College on the road in another doubleheader.

-- Daily Staff Report