WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Averett University women's basketball team used a high-scoring first quarter to crush Salem College 85-63 in non-conference action on Wednesday night.
 
The teams traded baskets until midway through the first quarter when Averett (3-2) started to pull away, setting the tone of the game. Senior guard DaQuila Washington's and-1 jumpshot ignited a 10-0 run that allowed the Cougars to take a 21-11 with 2:31 to go in the period.  Averett held Salem (2-3) to just four points for the remainder of the quarter.
 
Averett increased its lead over the Spirits by 20 (52-32) at the break as sophomore forward Amani Ajayi helped the Cougars maintain their advantage with four made baskets in the second period. Ajayi and junior guard Frida Lundquist went 7-for-9 from the field to finish with 17 points apiece to lead Averett, a career-high for Ajayi. Lundquist also contributed five assists. 
 
Junior shooting guard Samm Chandler followed with 12 points, six rebounds and three steals while Joelle Deese put up seven points and a season-high 10 rebounds.
 
Mikayla Seivers paced Salem with 21 points.
 
Averett has a week off before facing Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, at 7 p.m.