LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Averett University volleyball advanced to Saturday's USA South Conference Tournament semifinals with a 3-1 quarterfinals victory over William Peace University Friday. Averett (27-10) eliminated the Pacers by scores 25-23, 26-28, 25-15 and 25-20 in the first round of the tournament, which is hosted by Covenant College.

Averett will face Maryville College in Saturday's semifinals at 12 p.m. for a chance to claim a spot in the championship match at 6 p.m. later in the day. Maryville defeated Methodist University 3-1 in its quarterfinals matchup.

Averett, the USA South North Division champion, struggled through the first two sets. William Peace (19-14) led early before the Cougars battled back to take their first lead at 18-17 in the opening set. The Pacers, the fourth seed out of the North, briefly surged back in front, 20-19, before Averett inched out the win thanks to consecutive attack errors by William Peace. Much like the first set, William Peace controlled the second game as Averett tried to play catch-up. The Packers led nearly the entire way, with Averett taking its first lead 24-23 on freshman Keenan Marks' service ace. William Peace, however, fought off the Cougars in extra points to take the set 28-26.

The Cougars returned to form by the third set. Averett grabbed the early lead, then at one point won nine points over a 10-play span to take a commanding 23-11 advantage before finishing the Pacers off to go up 2-1 in the match. Although the fourth set was close throughout, Averett pulled away down the stretch to secure a place in the semifinals.

"I think we played a little tight the first two sets," Averett coach Danny Miller said. "But after losing that second set, I felt our energy change and we played more aggressively. There are no easy matches this time of year."

Sophomore Hannah Shields, the USA South Player of the Year, had a double-double of 29 killsa nd 12 digs to lead Averett. Sophomore Christiana Summa had a team-high 16 digs, followed by seniors Lindsey Boles with 15 digs and Katelyn Holley with 10 digs. Sophomore Jessica Sheek and freshman Jordan Pitzer added nine kills and eight kills, respectively. Marks, the USA South Rookie of the Year, chipped in with 53 assists, seven digs and four service aces for the Cougars.

Averett finished 3-0 against William Peace this season after winning both regular season meetings.

Prior to the game, the Cougars received the USA South North Division trophy, as well as their individual all-conference awards.