Box Score EAU CLAIRE, WI - The greatest season in Christopher Newport University softball history came to a close Sunday night, as the Captains were beaten by Eastern Connecticut State, 5-2, at Carson Park. The defeat knocked CNU out of the NCAA double-elimination tournament, leaving only three teams remaining.

The Captains jumped to a first-inning lead on an RBI single from Kristen Nickloy. The Warriors, however, would plate two in the third and two more in the fourth to pull away. CNU starter Kristen Rowe, who threw every inning of all eight NCAA games played, took the loss to finish her senior season with a record of 24-6.

Ashley Mani, CNU's junior centerfielder, had three of the Captains six hits.

The Captains had eliminated Luther College earlier in the day Sunday, 4-3.

CNU opened the "Elite 8" weekend in Wisconsin on Friday with an 8-0 win over Eastern Connecticut State. Molly Rathbun, ECSU's starting pitcher, did not play in Friday's game due to the flu. She went the distance for the Warriors Sunday night allowing just two runs on six hits to the Captains.

The Captains lost Saturday night to East Texas Baptist, the only squad still undefeated in the field. Linfield will play Eastern Connecticut State Monday afternoon and the winner will advance to play East Texas Baptist in the title game.

The 2010 CNU softball team finishes with a record of 42-10. The 42 wins is a program record and the most wins by any Christopher Newport athletic program ever. Keith Parr's squad also set a school mark for NCAA wins (6) as the Captains were 6-2 in post-season play.

The Captains were led by an outstanding senior class that consisted of Kristen Rowe, Mary Kennedy, Kristen Nickloy, Taylor Morgan, Renee Ashworth, Megan Morris, and Audra Underwood.

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