LEXINGTON, Va. — Averett University volleyball defeated Southern Virginia University before falling in five sets to host Washington and Lee University on the first day of the Washington and Lee Invitational Friday.

Averett (6-2) opened the day with a three-set win over Southern Virginia (1-6). The Cougars won 25-15, 25-19 and 25-21 to earn their second victory over the Knights within the last two weeks.

Sophomore Hannah Shields led the way with 22 kills and sophomore Sarah Smoot had 10 kills. Sophomore Christiana Summa and senior Lindsey Boles paced the Cougars with 19 digs and 16 digs, respectively. Senior Katelyn Holley also added 10 digs and freshman Keenan Marks made 36 assists. Shields also finished with seven digs and six service aces.

After knocking off Southern Virginia, Averett faced Washington and Lee (4-2) for the second time this season. The Cougars inched out a 27-25 win in the opening set, but dropped the next two sets 25-21 and 25-18. Averett responded with a big win in the fourth set, 25-23, to set up a deciding fifth set.

In their first meeting of the year, the Cougars pulled out the victory in five. This time, however, Washington and Lee got by Averett 15-12 in the final frame. The two squads traded points early and were tied 9-9 before the Generals took four of the next five points to build a 13-10 advantage. Averett took the next point following a timeout but couldn't get closer than two the rest of the way as Washington and Lee, the preseason favorite to win the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, eked out the win.

Against Washington and Lee, Shields led Averett with 28 kills, while Smoot finished with 11 kills. Holley and Summa each had a team-high 12 digs, with Shields totaling 11 digs. Marks made 49 assists.

The Cougars face Lynchburg College Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Wittenberg University at 3:30 p.m. to finish play at the Washington and Lee Invitational.