VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Averett University volleyball battled back from a two-set deficit to force a deciding fifth game, but host Virginia Wesleyan College held off the Cougars for a 3-2 non-conference victory on Thursday night. The Marlins won 25-18, 25-18, 25-27, 17-25, 15-13.

Averett (17-7), which entered the day with a 10-match winning streak, dropped the first two sets to fall behind. However, the Cougars temporarily staved off defeat by edging Virginia Wesleyan (9-12) in extra points in the third set. The momentum carried into the fourth set, which Averett also won. Tied 17-17 in the fourth frame, Averett rattled off eight consecutive points to win it and force the fifth set.

Sophomore Keenan Marks had 50 assists and 19 digs, while junior Hannah Shields led the team with 27 kills to go with 16 digs. Junior Sarah Smoot added 11 kills, and junior Christiana Summa and sophomores Emily Stanley and Kaleigh Steelman each had 13 digs. Senior Brittany Daley chipped in with eight kills and two solo blocks.

Averett's next match is Tuesday at Mary Baldwin University. The Cougars were scheduled to play at Methodist University on Saturday, but that was postponed to a later date due to the impending weather forecast.