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WINCHESTER, Va.- The Captains of Christopher Newport got into the win column Saturday night, holding the Hornets of Shenandoah to just one big play in a 20-7 triumph. CNU is now 1-2 for the season.

"This is a big, big win for our program," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said following the win. "We worked hard this week and our defense really made some big plays. We're not where we want to be, but we are on our way."

Christopher Newport took its first lead of the season when sophomore Marcus Morrast scored on a 7-yard run with 4:32 to play in the opening quarter. The Captains added to the lead at the 5:59 mark of the second quarter on a 6-yard scoring pass from senior Aaron Edwards to senior Chris Coiner. CNU led 13-0 when the extra point was blocked.

Shenandoah's only big play of the night came on a 47-yard touchdown run from freshman Andrew Smith with 2:29 left in the first half. The Captains held a 13-7 lead at the break.

In the second half, Christopher Newport added to the lead when senior Michael Ruckman picked off a Shawn Lloyd pass and scored on a 47-yard return. It was the second-longest interception return for a touchdown in CNU football history behind Rob Rodriguez, who brought back a pick 55 yards for a score in 2006.

"Our defense really stepped it up tonight," Kelchner continued. "We forced turnovers and I liked our intensity. Shenandoah did a good job loading the box and jamming up our running game, but we did enough to win. Now we've got a week off to get healthy and get ready for USA South play."

Junior linebacker Evan Moog, who was inserted into a starting role due to injuries, stepped in and led the Captains in tackles with 13. Senior linebacker Daniel Bowen also got a start and contributed 7 tackles.

CNU played the game without three starters due to injury. Wide receiver Kentel Noel and linebackers Daniel Lewis and Derek Wright did not suit up.

Both teams are now 1-2 for the season. The game was the final non-conference action of the year for the Captains, who open conference play in two weeks at Maryville (September 29th at 1:30 p.m.).

The game featured 17 punts, nine by the Captains and eight by the Hornets.

CNU forced a total of six turnovers, four interceptions and two fumbles.

Shenandoah returns to action next week at Bridgewater, the first Old Dominion Athletic Conference game ever for the Hornets.