RALEIGH, N. C. – The Averett University softball team finished 1-1 on Saturday afternoon with William Peace University in conference action. The Cougars lost the first game 14-0 in five innings but redeemed themselves in the second game with a 17-8 win.
 
In the first matchup, William Peace (23-15, 11-7 USA South) hit two homers in the bottom of the third to take a 4-0 lead. Averett (21-14, 13-5 USA South) couldn't find a way to answer as the Pacers added 10 more runs in the fourth inning.
 
Averett responded in the second game with two quick runs in the first frame as seniors Mary Beth Smith and Jessica Griffin managed to hit two singles to left field. After William Peace took a 4-2 advantage in the fourth inning, freshman Skylar Dudley doubled to right field to tie the game, and sophomore Mackenzie Barrett's single sent in two more runners to put the Cougars ahead 6-2.
 
The Cougars had gained a 10-4 lead by the time junior shortstop Jessica Long crushed a grand slam to center field to tack on four more runs. She went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs. Sophomore Amanda Wright also nailed a home run in the sixth inning.
 
Smith got the win from the circle and went 3-for-4 while senior right fielder Rhyan Scearce finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs.
 
Averett travels to Meredith College to take on the Avenging Angels in a 1 p.m. doubleheader.