MURFREESBORO, N.C. - The Shenandoah University softball team played two very competitive games Sunday afternoon, but dropped 5-3 and 7-0 USA South decisions to defending regular season champion Chowan College.

In game one, SU (0-2 overall, 0-2 USA South) was tied with Chowan (3-1, 2-0) heading into the bottom of third, but the Braves plated a single run in that inning and two more in the fifth to provide the final margin of victory.

Shenandoah had five hits in the contest, with Gina Riemenschneider (Winchester, Va./James Wood), Jodi Milburn (Winchester, Va./Lord Fairfax) and Carrie Harris (Front Royal, Va./Warren County) all driving in a run in addition to getting a hit.

Riemenschneider took the loss on the mound after giving up five runs (three earned) on eight hits and six walks in a complete game performance.

Chowan held SU to just four hits in the nightcap, one each by freshman Ginger Burket (Aydlett, Va./King George), Harris, senior Kimberly Hill (St. Paul, Va./Emory & Henry) and freshman Alicia Sanders (Wardensville, W. Va./East Hardy).

Burkett was the losing pitcher after giving up five runs (all earned) on six hits and two walks in 2.1 innings. She also struck out a batter.

Complete box scores and plays by play for both games can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/sb/2004/teamstat.htm

Shenandoah is now off until next weekend with the Hornets play at the Meredith College Tournament.