FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett University volleyball dominated Methodist University 3-0 on Tuesday night, avenging a prior loss to the Monarchs earlier this season. The Cougars won 25-14, 25-23 and 25-16 for a valuable USA South Conference road victory.

Averett (13-11, 7-3 USA South) opened with a strong first set. The Cougars scored eight consecutive points to extend their lead to 15-4 en route to an easy win. Averett finished the set with a stellar .583 hitting percentage, recording only one attacking error in the frame.

Methodist (11-9, 5-3 USA South) didn't fade away, however. Averett fought to stat in front and gradually built a 19-13 lead with a five-point rally. The Monarchs battled back to to win eight of the next nine points to jump in front 21-20. Tied at 23-23, Averett got a kill from sophomore Brittany Daley, then clinched the set thanks to a Methodist attacking error.

The Cougars pulled away early in the third set and never looked back with the help of five kills from freshman Sarah Smoot, who finished with 13 kills for the match.

Averett freshman Hannah Shields led Averett with a double-double of 16 kills and 11 digs to go with a team-high eight service aces. Freshman Christiana Summa had a team-best 13 digs and senior Nicole Barringer totaled 38 assists.

Averett returns to action on Saturday when the Cougars travel to Ferrum College to take on the Panthers and Piedmont College as part of USA South play.