DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University volleyball picked up a 3-2 victory over non-conference foe Southern Virginia University in its season opener Thursday night at the Grant Center. The Cougars edged Southern Virginia in five sets with a match-clinching 15-11 win in the final frame.

After getting off to a rocky start in which it lost 25-20 in the opening set, Averett (1-0) bounced back to take the next two games 25-22 and 25-22. In the third set, the Cougars had a .300 hitting percentage with 13 kills and only four errors. Averett tried to close out the Knights in four, but Southern Virginia (0-1) ralled from a 21-19 deficit to force extra points and eventually win 26-24 to set up the final set.

In the final frame, Averett jumped out to a 7-3 lead, forcing Southern Virginia to call timeout. The Cougars led 10-6 before the Knights mounted one final comeback to tie the score at 10-10. Averett won five of the final six points, sealing the match on a Southern Virginia attack error.

Junior Hannah Shields, the reining USA South Conference Player of the Year, opened the 2016 season with 27 kills and 24 digs to go with four service aces. Junior Sarah Smoot added 10 kills, while freshman Brianna Williams finished with seven kills and three total blocks in her debut. Junior Christiana Summa and sophomore Keenan Marks each had 12 digs and sophomore newcomer Emily Stanley added 10 digs. Marks also had 28 assists while junior Lynsey Corriher had 16 assists.

Averett returns to action on Saturday in its annual Cougar Classic. The Cougars host Frostburg State University at 2 p.m. and Roanoke College at 6 p.m. on the first day.