WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University took a major step forward in its attempt to qualify for the post-season Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Tournament with a 15-8 PAC victory over visiting Neumann College Saturday afternoon at Shentel Stadium.

SU (2-3 overall, 1-1 PAC) led 5-1 at the end of one and 9-4 by halftime to secure its first ever victory over the Knights (1-5, 0-2).

Senior Elmer Baker (Fort Montgomery, N.Y./O'Neill) led the way with three goals and six assists while freshman Ian McWilliams (Springfield, Va./West Springfield) had a career best four goals and one assist.

Shenandoah controlled the contest throughout; SU scored the first three goals of the game and never let Neumann get closer than three the rest of the way. Coach Brian Jenkins club also won 18 of 26 face-offs and scooped up 15 (46-31) more groundballs than the Knights.

With only four of the seven PAC schools qualifying for the tournament and both of these teams coming into the game with one PAC loss, this early season league game had enormous implications. The win gives the Hornets much needed breathing room in their attempt to qualify for the tournament for the first time in three seasons of playing in the PAC.

Ryan McCauley had two goals and two assists for Neumann while Nate Eber and Justin Stoop both tallied twice.

A complete box score and play by play for this game can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/mlax/2004/032704.htm

Shenandoah is in action again next Saturday at Villa Julie College. Game time is 2:00.