WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Averett held on to beat Salem College 73-64 on Monday night to start the season with a two-game winning streak.

The Cougars (2-0) scored the final four points after Salem (0-2) cut Averett's lead to 69-64 with 1:06 to play. Averett led 45-34 at halftime.

Senior Taylor Poirier led Averett with 23 points and junior Kristyn Wharton added 12 points. Freshman Kaneshia Slade had a team-high 10 rebounds.

Salem was paced by Courtney Sauer's 14 points.

Averett returns to action at home against Hood College on Wednesday at 6 p.m.