ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Senior Mary Beth Smith threw a one-hit shutout as the fourth-seeded Averett University softball team knocked off second-seeded Maryville College 6-0 in a USA South Conference Tournament winners' bracket game on Saturday at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex.

The win guarantees Averett (25-15) a spot in Sunday's 1 p.m. USA South championship game at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. The Cougars will play either Maryville or No. 5 seed Ferrum College for the title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Smith only allowed a bunt single in the top of the fourth inning and struck out four through seven innings in the pitchers' circle to pick up her conference-leading 20th win of the season.

Averett's offensive wasted no time getting on the board. Freshman Kristyn Owen laced a two-out single to center field to put a runner on first base for the Cougars. Owen advanced to second when sophomore Amanda Wright singled to left-center. Moments later, sophomore Samm Chandler, who pinch-ran for Owen, came home  to score the game's first run on an error by the Scots' shortstop. Freshman Essence Pulliam followed with a two-run hit to left field that scored freshman Andrea Grant and Wright, giving Averett a 3-0 advantage after two innings.

Smith helped her own cause with a solo home run to left-center in the bottom of the fifth to put the Cougars ahead by four. The Cougars added up a pair of insurance runs in the sixth. After Owen picked up her second base hit of the game, Grant drilled a two-run shot to left-center to give Averett a 6-0 advantage heading into the final frame. That was more than enough for Smith, who made history during the game.

Smith's four strikeouts were enough to help her break the Cougars' single-season record for strikeouts owned by Sandra Dennison, who had 159 during the 2009 season. Smith has currently struck out 161 batters this season.