Last season, Matt Wright and Shippensburg (Pa.) ended West Virginia State's NCAA tournament run.

Thursday afternoon, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound junior left-hander will likely be back on the mound when the two teams renew acquaintances in the opening round of the NCAA Division II North Atlantic Regional at Johnstown, Pa.

The 3 p.m. contest is the second of three games scheduled Thursday at Point Stadium. In the opener, top seed West Chester faces No. 6 Kutztown at 11 a.m. Third-seeded Concord meets No. 4 Pitt Johnstown in the nightcap at 7 p.m. The tournament concludes Sunday.

In last year's regional, Wright fired a four-hit complete game, striking out 11 while walking just one in a 6-1 victory that sent the Jackets back to Institute. State lost last year's regional opener 2-0 to West Chester.

While there is some familiarity between the No. 2 seed Jackets and the Shippensburg ace - the two teams did not play during the regular season - State coach Cal Bailey said that means little this time of year.

"In the first two rounds, you're going to see everybody's No. 1 and No. 2," Bailey said. "We expect to see their best. The other guy we faced [last year; West Chester's Frank Gailey] got drafted and had a good year in pro ball."

In two regional losses last season, the Jackets managed only one run and six hits. 

"We're hoping we have that cured," said Bailey. "If we keep hitting the way we are, it won't matter who pitches."

Indeed, State's hitters have been on quite a roll lately. The Jackets have won 20 of their last 22 and have scored at least 10 runs in 13 of those victories.

Last season, Matt Wright and Shippensburg (Pa.) ended West Virginia State's NCAA tournament run.

Thursday afternoon, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound junior left-hander will likely be back on the mound when the two teams renew acquaintances in the opening round of the NCAA Division II North Atlantic Regional at Johnstown, Pa.

The 3 p.m. contest is the second of three games scheduled Thursday at Point Stadium. In the opener, top seed West Chester faces No. 6 Kutztown at 11 a.m. Third-seeded Concord meets No. 4 Pitt Johnstown in the nightcap at 7 p.m. The tournament concludes Sunday.

In last year's regional, Wright fired a four-hit complete game, striking out 11 while walking just one in a 6-1 victory that sent the Jackets back to Institute. State lost last year's regional opener 2-0 to West Chester.

While there is some familiarity between the No. 2 seed Jackets and the Shippensburg ace - the two teams did not play during the regular season - State coach Cal Bailey said that means little this time of year.

"In the first two rounds, you're going to see everybody's No. 1 and No. 2," Bailey said. "We expect to see their best. The other guy we faced [last year; West Chester's Frank Gailey] got drafted and had a good year in pro ball."

In two regional losses last season, the Jackets managed only one run and six hits. 

"We're hoping we have that cured," said Bailey. "If we keep hitting the way we are, it won't matter who pitches."

Indeed, State's hitters have been on quite a roll lately. The Jackets have won 20 of their last 22 and have scored at least 10 runs in 13 of those victories.

But Wright and teammate Tim Freshour have been superb at the top of the Raiders rotation this season.

Wright has compiled a 6-4 record with a 2.81 earned run average. He has struck out 120 in 77 innings and opponents are hitting a paltry .187 against him. Freshour (9-4) leads the team in wins and innings (821/3). He owns a 2.30 ERA and has fanned 46.

Offensively, Shippensburg is led by outfielder Justin Garber. The 6-0, 185-pound senior is hitting a team-best .440 with seven home runs and 38 runs batted in. He has also been successful on 11-of-12 steal attempts.

Other players to watch include sophomore infielder Rick Shumway (.396 average, 33 RBIs, 20 steals), junior outfielder Tyler Redick (.378, 39 RBIs, 14 steals) and junior outfielder Kasey Kuhns (.299, four home runs, 44 RBIs).

As a team, the Raiders (34-20) are hitting .320 with 24 home runs and 361 runs scored.

Shippensburg is making its 20th NCAA regional appearance and fifth since 2000. The Raiders qualified for the postseason as an at-large team after winning the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division title and finishing fourth in the PSAC tournament.

The Raiders began the season 1-7 but finished strong, going 33-16 down the stretch.

"If we bring our 'A' game and they bring their 'A' game, it will be pretty equal," said Bailey. "It's just a situation where there are no givens. You get your feet wet and make adjustments."

To contact staff writer Jeff Rider, use e-mail or call 348-5122.