BUENA VISTA, Va. — The Averett University women's basketball team led by as much as 32 points on its way to a season-opening 80-52 victory over Southern Virginia University on Saturday night.
 
Averett (1-0) capitalized in transition and scored 33 points from Southern Virginia's 33 turnovers with sophomore guard Ariana Covington leading the defense with five steals. The Cougars also used its size to its advantage tallying 40 points in the paint and 15 second-chance points.
 
"We did very well handling their full court pressure and finding the open man," Averett head coach Liz Hickey said. "It's always great to have multiple players in double figures."
 
Covington and sophomore forward Brianna Taylor led the Cougars with 17 points apiece while freshman center Jonna Koski and freshman guard Samm Chandler each finished with a double-double in their collegiate debuts. Koski had 16 points and 11 rebounds as Chandler contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds.
 
The last time the teams met was in 2012 in Danville when Southern Virginia snagged an overtime win to hand the Cougars a season-opening loss. This time Averett pulled away late in the first half to lead Southern Virginia 43-23 at halftime, and the Knights were unable to make a comeback.

Southern Virginia (0-1) only led game once in the first three minutes of the game.

The Cougars return to the Grant Center on Wednesday to play their first home game of season against Roanoke College at 7 p.m.