Box Score

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Despite a scrappy effort, Averett couldn't overcome a tough shooting night in a 57-46 non-conference loss at Lynchburg College on Tuesday.

Averett (1-4) struggled offensively, shooting a season-low 21.3 percent from the field. The Cougars, playing their first game since Dec. 16, battled shooting woes from the start. A Jessica Myers layup in the opening minute of the game was Averett's lone field goal in the first 14 minutes of the game as they were 1-of-19 shooting, including 0-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Sophomore Oneka Jones broke that stretch with a layup at the 5:34 mark and senior Shannon Smith followed with a 3-pointer with 4:05 left. Those two baskets, however, pulled Averett — which benefitted from 11-of-18 shooting from the foul line in the first half — within four points of Lynchburg (5-5). The Hornets pushed their lead back to 30-18 by halftime.

Lynchburg increased its lead to 18 early in the second half, but Averet fought hard to get its deficit back down to as little as nine when freshman Alexis Sollars' layup made the score 46-37 with 8:39 remaining. The Hornets held Averett off down the stretch to improve to 6-1 all-time against the Cougars.

Jones led Averett with a double-double consisting of 11 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Sollars added eight points and six rebounds, while Smith and sophomore Nicole Garcia each chipped in with seven points.

Shannon Allan scored a game-high 16 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists for Lynchburg.

Averett opens USA South Conference play on Friday at Maryville College.