Newport News, Va. — Southern Virginia University dropped both games of its season-opening doubleheader against the Captains of Christopher Newport University, falling 10–3 in game one and 10–8 in game two.

Game One

The Knights fell behind early in the opener, with the offense held in check until the fourth inning. Seth Lloyd sparked the lineup with a single to center field, followed by a base hit from Zack Geertsen. Marcelino Leonardo Jr. then drove in Lloyd to cut the deficit to 2–1.

Christopher Newport added a run in the fifth to extend the lead, but the game remained within reach until the bottom of the seventh, when the Captains broke it open with a six-run inning to take control.

Southern Virginia continued to battle in the final frame. Singles from Bobby Rossi and Tyler Bales loaded the bases, and walks drawn by Garrett Stauffer and Leonardo Jr. brought in two runs, but the Knights ultimately fell 10–3.

Game Two

Both teams were quiet early in the nightcap until the Captains again struck with a six-run inning, this time in the bottom of the third.

Southern Virginia answered in the fourth as Leonardo Jr. stayed hot with a double to right field. Mason Jones followed with a two-run double to bring the Knights within four at 6–2. Momentum continued to build when Garrett Stauffer launched a two-run home run, pulling Southern Virginia closer.

The Knights mounted a late rally in the seventh inning. Robbie Stempin singled to left, and Tyler Bales laid down a bunt single to load the bases. Tad Peterson and Stempin both scored on a fielding error, and Rossi later crossed the plate on a wild pitch to make it a two-run game at 9–7.

Christopher Newport answered again, but Southern Virginia added one final run when Leonardo Jr. stole second and third before scoring on a throwing error. The comeback attempt came up just short as the Knights fell 10–8.

Southern Virginia finished the doubleheader batting .212, while the four stolen bases in game two tied the program's highest single-game total since 2018. Leonardo Jr. led the Knights offensively, recording three hits and two walks for a .556 on-base percentage. Newcomer Tyler Bales also impressed with a pair of hits.

The Knights continue their nine-game road stretch to open the season with a matchup at Bridgewater College on Tuesday, February 17, at 2:30 p.m. Despite the close proximity of the two programs, the teams last met in 2006, a 7–5 Southern Virginia victory.

For the latest updates on Southern Virginia University baseball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_bsb on Instagram.