DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University's softball team dominated Greensboro College in a two-game series on Saturday, defeating the Pride 10-1 and 9-0, both in five innings.
 
Sophomore Jessica Long sparked the momentum for Averett (16-0-1, 8-0 USA South) with a triple to right field that helped the Cougars gain a 2-0 lead in the first inning. With a decent start, the Cougars went on a seven-run rally in the third inning, all with two outs to extend the lead to 9-1.
 
After junior Taylor Dix scored on a throwing error, freshman Laura Young singled to right-center to send in junior Jessica Griffin. Shortly after, with Young on second and junior Jessye Crews on first, junior Rhyan Scearce smashed the ball, doubling down the left field line to score them both.
 
Averett plated two more runs on another throwing error and Dix's double to left field before the Pride induced a groundout to second base to end the third. Greensboro (7-5, 1-3 USA South) scored its lone run in a sacrifice fly in the second inning, but was held scoreless the rest of the way. Junior pitcher Mary Beth Smith improved to 8-0 with five strikeouts. Senior outfielder Samantha Hall finished 3-for-3 with one RBI while Long and Dix each went 2-for-3.
 
In the finale, Greensboro's starting pitcher Lauren Miller couldn't get a rhythm going from the circle. She walked three consecutive batters with the bases loaded, allowing Averett to take an early 3-0 lead in the first inning and tacked on another run thanks to Crews' single to right field that brought senior Emily Dunford home.
 
The Cougars continued to perform at the plate in the second inning as Smith doubled through the left side, to add two more runs to stretch the score to 6-0, and they eventually added another three to shutout the Pride. Smith went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs for the Cougars. Junior pitcher Jessica Griffin clinched the win to seal a 5-0 record.
 
The sweep was Averett's second consecutive doubleheader holding its opponent to only one run.
 
The Cougars return to action Sunday to host Roanoke College in a doubleheader at 1 p.m.