ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — No. 4 seed Averett University defeated No. 1 seed Piedmont College 5-4 in eight innings on Friday afternoon in the winner's bracket game of the USA South Conference Tournament at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex.
 
Sophomore Amanda Wright doubled to left center in the top of the eighth to put Averett (24-15) in scoring position with only one out. One batter later, freshman Andrea Grant notched the game-winning hit with a single right center to send home freshman Brooke Cassada, who pinch ran for Wright, and the top-seeded Lions were unable to recover.  
 
The Cougars took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when junior shortstop Jessica Long scored on a wild pitch. Grant, who finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs, hit a two RBI home run to center field in the second frame to help the Cougars maintain the advantage. Even with two quick outs, Piedmont (29-12) managed to tack on two runs as they capitalized off an Averett error to close the gap to 3-2.  
 
In the first at bat of the third inning, senior pitcher Mary Beth Smith crushed the Cougars' second home run of the game, however, Piedmont's Hannah Hoban answered with one of her own to keep the score within one. Later on, a single up the middle from Jessica Bagwell sent in Laura Carter to knot the game at 4-4 in the fifth frame, but the Cougars' defense halted Piedmont's scoring after that to hand the Lions their first loss of the double-elimination tournament.  
 
Smith, who was named USA South Pitcher of the Year for the second time this season, struck out seven batters and was responsible for all three outs in the bottom of the eighth. All three batters went down swinging. Long and senior right fielder Rhyan Scearce both went 2-for-3.
 
Averett will play Maryville College on Saturday at 12 p.m. for a spot in the championship.