DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University volleyball concluded the final day of the 21st annual Cougar Classic with a pair of wins, beating Guilford College 3-1 and Hollins University 3-0 on Saturday at the Grant Center.

Averett (5-1) opened the day with a win over Guilford (1-4). The Cougars struggled out of the gate as Guilford took the first set 25-21. However, Averett righted the ship to rattle off three straight winning sets — 25-17, 25-14 and 26-24. After hitting .091 in the first set, Averett hit .314, .550 and .412 in the final three.

Sophomore Hannah Shields led the attack with 20 kills to go with eight digs and three service aces. Senior Leslie Fulton added 12 kills and two blocks, while sophomores Jessica Sheek and Sarah Smoot totaled 10 kills and nine kills, respectively. Sophomore Christiana Summa led the team with 12 digs and senior Katelyn Holley had nine digs.

In the nightcap, Averett dominated Hollins (0-4) in three sets, 25-21, 25-13 and 25-23 as head coach Danny Miller used 19 players in the victory. Shields had a team-high 14 kills with four service aces over two sets. Smoot finished with nine kills and 11 digs. Summa led Averett with 17 digs and Holley tallied 11 digs. Freshman Keenan Marks had 28 assists as well for the Cougars.

Shields earned Cougar Classic All-Tournament honors.

Averett returns to the court on Friday when the Cougars participate in the two-day Washington and Lee University Invitational.


Cougar Classic All-Tournament Team
Allison White, Roanoke (MVP)
Hannah Shields, Averett
Blake Parkes, Shenandoah
Tori Blecher, Greensboro
Alex Mariona, Randolph
Tempest Frazier, William Peace