DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University softball split a non-conference doubleheader with Guilford College on Saturday afternoon at Cougar Field. Averett edged the Quakers 3-2, but Guilford overcame a deficit in the final inning to steal the second game 5-4.
 
In the opener, Averett (5-8) and Guilford (8-2) were tied 1-1 through seven, forcing extra innings. The Cougars nearly held the Quakers scoreless in the top half of the frame, but Makayla Carver's two-out, RBI single up the middle put Guilford in front 2-1.
 
Per extra inning rules, a runner is placed at second base to start the inning. For Averett, that was freshman Taylor Hodges, who advanced to third base on a bunt single by junior Jessica Long. A wild pitch allowed Hodges to score the tying run, and Long moved to second on the play. That set the stage for senior Taylor Dix, whose single through the left side scored Long for a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Quakers.
 
Senior Mary Beth Smith (5-3) earned the victory, allowing just two runs — both unearned — on four hits and one walk while striking out seven in eight innings.
 
Averett initially took at 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. After freshman Andrea Grant led off with a double, sophomore pinch runner Samm Chandler later scored on a wild pitch. Guilford matched the Cougars in the top of the fifth thanks to an error.
 
Long finished 2-for-4 in the opener, while senior Rhyan Scearce went 2-for-2 with a walk.
 
Averett nearly swept Guilford, but the Quakers rallied in the top of the seventh and held off the Cougars, who had an opportunity to put themselves in position for another walk-off win.
 
In Game 2, Averett broke a 3-3 tie in the sixth inning on Smith's RBI single through the left side that scored Long. Yet, Guilford responded in the top of the seventh. A leadoff single and an error put two aboard for the Quakers. After a one-out walk loaded the bases, Averett induced a grounder to shortstop, it wasn't hit hard enough for the Cougars to get a game-ending double play. As a result, Guilford tied the game and kept the inning alive. Courtney Lackey helped her own cause moments later by lacing an RBI single down the left field line to put Guilford in front 5-4.
 
Averett put together a comeback attempt in the bottom of the seventh. Freshman Kristyn Owen knocked a one-out single, and freshman Skylar Dudley drew a walk. Two batters and an out later, Long singled to right field, but a great throw home by Guilford right fielder Sabrina Moreno got the would-be tying run out at the plate for the final out to preserve the victory.
 
Smith was 4-for-4 with three RBIs in Game 2, while Long finished with three hits. Sophomore Amanda Wright added two hits for the Cougars.
 
Averett opens USA South Conference play on Sunday against Methodist University at 12 p.m. at Cougar Field.