LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Christopher Newport University softball team, ranked tenth in the nation this week, split a pair of games Thursday at Lynchburg College. CNU took the opener, 6-4, and dropped the nightcap in eight innings, 2-1, at LC's Moon Field.

Both games of the exciting twin bill were decided in the late innings. The Captains are now 4-3 following the split, while the Hornets are 7-3 for the season.

In the opener, CNU and Lynchburg went to the seventh inning with the game tied at 3-3. The Captains plated three runs on RBI singles from sophomore Rachael Shiflett, senior Sabrina Hill, and junior Alexis Pope to open a 6-3 advantage. Sophomore starter Krista Lewis wiggled out of trouble in the bottom of the seventh as the Captains closed out the 6-4 triumph.

Lewis went the distance in the opening game, allowing four runs on six hits, two of which were home runs. The victory improves Lewis' record on the year to 3-1.

The Captains posted 13 hits in the opener, including a three-for-four performance from junior Tori Clarke. Junior Scoop Simon had two hits and knocked in two runs, while Shiflett, Hill, and freshman Brittney Walters also each recorded two hits.

In the second game of the doubleheader, junior Tori Clarke's second home run of the season, a solo shot in the top of the fourth inning, was the only run the Captains could muster. With the game tied at 1-1, CNU squandered a golden opportunity in the top of the eighth inning by stranding runners at second and third base. The Hornets then grabbed the victory by plating a run in the bottom of the frame on a game-winning single from Amber Ingram.

Junior Hanah Marshall took the tough-luck loss in the nightcap, allowing just two runs on six hits. Her record is now 1-2 on the year.

CNU will return to action on Sunday when the Captains travel to Ashland, Va., for a non-conference doubleheader at Randolph-Macon. The first game will begin at 2:00 p.m.