WINCHESTER, Va. - Big plays were the fashion of the evening as Shenandoah University took a major step forward in the development of its program with a 14-10 USA South Conference victory over No. 19 Christopher Newport University Saturday night at Shentel Stadium.

Shenandoah (4-1 overall, 3-0 USA South) made two goal-line stands in the second half and converted a 4th and 5 from the CNU 24 to get the winning touchdown.

Junior quarterback Jon Hoffman (Woodbridge, Va./Gar-Field) connected with senior Mike McVearry (Bowie, Md./South Lakes) on a 24-yard TD strike to put the Hornets up 14-10 with just over six minutes to play.

The defense was forced to hold the Captains (2-2, 0-1) on two more possessions before SU was able to run out the final minute of the contest.

The Hornets took the early lead in the game after holding Christopher Newport on its opening possession and then drove 80 yards in 12 plays to go up 7-0. Junior Anthony Frates (Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial) capped the drive with a 3-yard run; he finished the contest with a game high 110 yards on 26 carries.

After the rest of the first quarter went by without a score, CNU battled back with 10 points before the half. Jason Broskie drilled a 23-yard field goal at the 6:59 mark and then George Jones blasted in from the 3 just 26 seconds before the break.

The Captains recovered a squib kick to start the second half and eventually had a first and goal from the SU 5. Jones got four yards on first down, putting the ball on the 1. CNU advanced no further.

Shenandoah stuffed three plays from its own 1 and took over after Jones was unable to convert the 4th and goal.

SU advanced out to its own 36 before fumbling it back to the Captains, but again held on 4th and goal from the Hornets 9. In addition to Frates 110 yards, Brandon Lacey (King George, Va./Washington-Lee) had 37 yards on 11 carries. Receivers McVearry and Junior Greene (Aroda, Va./Madison County) combined for four catches (two each) for 78 yards.

Shenandoah is off next week and travels to Greensboro on October 16 for a 1:00 contest.