WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University used a late touchdown from sophomore Anthony Frates to propel the Hornets to a 14-7 victory over visiting Catholic University Saturday night before 1280 fans at Shentel Stadium.

Shenandoah (2-1) trailed virtually the entire game as Catholic (0-3) took a 7-0 lead at the 4:17 mark of the second on a Nick Bublavi 19-yard touchdown reception.

Bublavi carried the CUA offense in the first half; he had seven catches for 142 yards and seemed to be on his way to a record setting night. Unfortunately for Cardinals fans, Bublavi suffered a hip-pointer on his initial catch of the third quarter and saw limited action the rest of the way.

The Hornets got themselves back to within one with 1:06 to play in the first half when junior Mike McVearry (Bowie, Md./South River) outjumped his defender and came down with a 32-yard touchdown catch. However, CUA kept the lead when Max Perkins blocked the extra point.

Catholic found itself again in the red zone one time in both the third and fourth quarters, but the SU defense stiffened on each occasion and turned the visitors away with no points.

This became critical with just over seven minutes to play when senior Wayne Hogwood (Arlington, Va./Wakefield) hit Junior Greene (Aroda, Va./Madison County) on 2nd and 11 from the SU 36 with a perfect strike down the near sideline. Greene corralled the ball at the Catholic 20 and dragged his defender an additional 13 yards, setting up a 1st and goal on the 7-yard line. This play is also the longest pass completion in SU history.

Frates (Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial) bounded in one play later and after a successful two-point conversion pass from Hogwood to Anthony McGhee (Reston, Va./South Lakes), Shenandoah led 14-7.

Catholic outgained the Hornets 398 to 253 and held a 272 to 94 advantage through the air, but SU made the big play when it counted. McGhee had 82 yards rushing, Frates 77 and Greene grabbed two balls for 62 yards.

Pat Truxillo made the most of his first quarterback start for the Cardinals by completing 20 of 44 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown. Bublavi had eight catches for 149, while Kevin McNulty added 27 yards on four catches. Ed Smith was the game's leading ground gainer with 85 yards on 16 carries.

Shenandoah opens USA South play next Saturday night as Ferrum College. Shentel Stadium game time is 7:00.