By Nick Porter

CARY, N.C. – The Southern Virginia University baseball team opened the 2017 campaign with three games against William Peace Univeristy at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina Friday and Saturday. The Knights fell in Friday's season opener but split in Saturday's doubleheader.

With Seth Burris on the mound in game one, the Knights fell 3-2. Ryan Saunders had the only double for the Knights, one of five total hits. Josh Hilburn and Alex Burgos scored the Knights' runs from Michael Stirling and Saunders RBIs.

In the second game, Southern Virignia was able to snag a pair of runs in the top of the fifth, to tie the game 2-2. In the bottom of the same inning the Pacers scored three runs to seal the deal. Burgos doubled for the Knights and recorded an RBI. Riley Daniels was credited with the loss on the mound.

Junior Tayler Peterson earned the win in the third game, allowing just one run and striking out six batters. Hilburn and Saunders recorded RBI's and Cole Crithfield batted in a pair of runs in the victory. Shortstop Ryan Morin and catcher Jordan Keefer each had two hits and a run.

Jonathan Hodges earned the save, and struck out three batters in two innings pitched. 

Southern Virginia will head to Lynchburg on Wednesday, February 8 to face the Hornets. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.