FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Wesleyan College's Amanda Gerni's 3-pointer in the final seconds handed Averett University women's basketball a heartbreaking 64-63 loss Saturday evening on the opening day of the University of Mary Washington's Hyatt Place Tipoff Tournament.
 
A tight game throughout, Averett (1-1) grabbed its first lead of the fourth quarter, 63-61, on junior Samm Chandler's jumper with 1:33 to play. The Cougars' defense held Virginia Wesleyan (1-1) scoreless on its next two possessions, but Averett couldn't capitalize due to back-to-back turnovers. That opened the door for the Marlins.
 
After a 30-second timeout, Gerni drilled the game-winner to help Virginia Wesleyan escape.
 
Although Virginia Wesleyan led for most of the first half, Averett stayed within striking distance. The Cougars took a 34-30 lead with 2:20 left in the half on freshman Stacey Marriott's layup. Averett took a 36-35 advantage into halftime.
 
The Cougars' lead grew to as much as six several times in the third quarter before Virginia Wesleyan tied it at 45-45 with 2:23 remaining in the third frame, which ended with the Marlins on top 50-47.
 
Chandler led the Cougars with 17 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. Junior Frida Lundquist added 11 points and six boards, while sophomore Alixis Roccia and freshman Brooke Carthon each had seven points.
 
NiAsia Caldwell and Jayla Harris paced Virginia Wesleyan with 21 points and 19 points, respectively.
 
Averett will play Alvernia University (0-2), which lost to No. 20/22 Mary Washington, on Sunday in the tournament's consolation game.