DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University softball team knocked off No. 5 Christopher Newport University 12-8 on Monday afternoon at Cougar Field to give the squad a big boost going into conference play this weekend.
 
In the opener of the schedule doubleheader, Averett (8-0-1) took an early 8-3 after scoring five runs in the bottom half of the second inning. Sophomore Jessica Long started the rally for the Cougars with single down the left field line, sending in freshman Olivia Cooper and senior Emily Dunford. Long advanced to second on the throw and later came in on junior Taylor Dix's double. Long went 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored.  
 
Christopher Newport (0-1) held Averett scoreless over the next two innings while making a comeback. CNU added two runs in the top of the third, and Rachael Shifflet doubled down the left field line to get Meagan Jones to home plate. After Scoop Simon grounded out to third base, Sabrina Hill smacked a two-run homer to tie the game at 8-8 at the top of the fourth inning.
 
The Cougars didn't let Hill's homer faze them. In fact, they answered with their own, and held off the Captains for the rest of the game. Sophomore catcher Meredith Rudisill's clutch two-out single in the fifth inning plated Long and sophomore Samantha Hall to put Averett ahead 10-8. Freshman Laura Young followed with a two-run homer to left field to add insurance.

Young led the Cougars, going 4-for-4 with three RBI. Rudisill also added three RBIs for Averett, which beat a nationally ranked Captains squad for the second time in their last five meetings.

Junior pitcher Jessica Griffin (2-0) snagged the win in 3.2 innings of relief. 
 
The teams were scheduled to play a second game, but it was halted after the fourth inning because of darkness before the contest became official. CNU held a 2-0 advantage at the time.
 
The Cougars return to action with a doubleheader against conference foe Maryville College on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cougar Field.