DEMOREST, Ga. — Averett soccer head coach Philip Wilson felt his team's solid performance against Virginia Wesleyan College last Tuesday night would mark a turning point for his team heading into USA South Conference play.
 
Well, Wilson was right as the Averett University men's soccer team picked up a 2-0 victory against Piedmont College on Saturday to open its conference slate with two consecutive wins.
 
Freshman Sebastian Kjernholm's goal in the 80th minute gave  Averett (2-6, 2-0 USA South) all the cushion it needed as the Cougars held on for the victory. Kjernholm's score represented the first goal of his collegiate career.
 
As it did in Friday's game against Covenant College, the Cougars got started on the right foot. After Piedmont (3-3-1, 1-1-0 USA South) picked up an early foul, sophomore Ville Hautakangas converted on a free kick to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead at the 9:08 mark. 
 
Redshirt freshman Austin Bramhall recorded the first blank sheet of his career, making four saves on the afternoon to keep the Lions off the board.
 
The Cougars get nearly a week's rest before heading down to Fayetteville, North Carolina, to take on USA South foe Methodist University on Sept. 23 at 4 p.m.