After completing a second-round 4-0 victory vs. Shenandoah that was suspended by darkness Friday, the 10th-ranked Salisbury softball team suffered its first loss of the regional on Saturday afternoon, falling to Christopher Newport by a score of 7-3.

Early Saturday, the Sea Gulls (35-4) had a 4-0 lead through four full innings of play. The remaining three innings went by relatively quickly, with no additional scoring and just four hits between both teams.

Junior pitcher Erika Brittingham finished out the contest strong to earn the win, striking out seven in seven innings of work.

Later Saturday, the Sea Gulls (35-5) got off to a great start, scoring three runs in the first inning. Christopher Newport (34-10) would score a run in the third inning to bring the score to 3-1, but the fourth inning was key for the Captains as a grand slam by Jennifer Falin put the game out of reach.

Freshman first baseman Harley Hill went 2-for-3 at the plate for Salisbury, scoring one run and registering a double. Sophomore left fielder Hannah Mills had a team-high two RBI.

Three of Salisbury's five losses in 2011 have now come at the hands of Christopher Newport. The maroon and gold's last loss came over two months ago, on March 12, to Shenandoah University.

Salisbury will now play in the elimination bracket tomorrow. The Sea Gulls will play at 11 a.m., taking on the winner of Sunday's first elimination game between Rowan University and Shenandoah; that game is slated for 9 a.m.