WINCHESTER, Va. – No. 5 in the nation Christopher Newport University opened up the 2010 USA South Conference softball slate Wednesday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep over host Shenandoah.

The Captains (14-4) backed up a 4-0 win in the opener by seeing freshman Elizabeth Holte throw a perfect game in the nightcap. CNU won that contest 3-0.

Holte (6-2) rode her defense in throwing the gem – she had just one strikeout and saw centerfielder Ashley Mani go deep into the gap in right center to take hits away from Jolisa Jones in the second and fourth innings.

Her closest call of the game came against her first hitter – the Hornets Catherine Pruiett led off the SU first by lofting a fly ball into short left field that landed just inches from the foul line. Two pitches later, Pruiett grounded out to second and Holte was on her way to perfection.

Freshman Amanda Litwin (4-2) had six strikeouts and held Christopher Newport to just one run for the first six innings.

The two losses snap a five-game winning streak for the Hornets (7-5).

In game one, the Captains Kristen Rowe (5-1) only allowed one hit through the first six innings and three overall as CNU took the 4-0 win.

Rowe struck out seven and got the victory when her offense combined three walks and three singles in the sixth off of SU starter Brooke Over  (3-3) to score the only four runs of the game.

Over struck out five and only allowed five hits but walked six in the complete game performance.

Sophomore Shatora Lane had two hits in three at bats for the Hornets in the opener.

Shenandoah is back in action on Saturday at Averett. First pitch of the USA South Conference doubleheader is scheduled for 2:00.

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