DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University women's basketball dropped its season opener 60-42 to non-conference foe Lynchburg College on Wednesday night at the Grant Center.

Averett (0-1) overcame a slow first half start to battle toe-to-toe with Lynchburg (1-0), which was coming off an appearance in the NCAA Tournament second round last season.
The Cougars outscored the Hornets 17-10 in the fourth quarter, but the early deficit was too much.

Lynchburg dominated the boards in the first half, especially on the offensive end where it got 10 rebounds over the first two quarters that led to seven second-chance points. Meanwhile, the Cougars struggled from the floor and trailed 31-15 at halftime.

Junior Amani Ajay led Averett with 13 points and eight rebounds, while senior Samm Chandler added 12 points, seven rounds and four assists. Sophomores Rayvyn Johnson and Brooke Carthon also finished with seven rebounds.

Averett returns to action on Saturday when the Cougars play host to non-conference foe Shenandoah University at 2 p.m. in the Grant Center.