DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University women's basketball held off Shenandoah University 79-71 in non-conference action Saturday afternoon at the Grant Center.
 
Ahead by two entering the final quarter, Averett (1-1) used a 14-2 run to start the fourth to extend its lead to 65-51 over the Hornets and take control of the game. The Cougars pushed their lead to as much as 16 points midway through the frame, but Averett had to withstand another Shenandoah run which trimmed its lead down to as little as six points with under a minute to play.

Shenandoah (1-1) led by two at halftime before Averett managed to pull ahead in the third quarter. Sophomore Ravyn Johnson's three-point play with a layup and free throw gave the Cougars a 47-41 advantage, its largest lead to that point.

Five Cougars scored double-figures, with sophomore Brooke Carthon leading the charge with 17 points while matching her career-high of 11 rebounds. Johnson finished with career-highs of 11 points and eight rebounds and sophomore Samantha Tecson added a career-best 14 points. Senior Samm Chandler and junior Amani Ajayi each had 10 points, with Ajayi grabbing nine boards and Chandler added eight rebounds, four steals and three blocks.

Averett dominated the boards, out-rebounding Shenandoah 55-34.

Averett grabbed an early 10-6 lead in the opening minutes, but the two teams traded the lead the rest of the period, with Shenandoah leading 19-18 at the end of the first quarter. The Hornets grew their lead to five, 26-21, midway through the second period. Yet, Averett answered with a 3-pointer by junior Alixis Roccia and a pair of free throws by Ajayi to tie the game. Shenandoah inched out a 32-30 lead by the break.

Averett returns to the court on Tuesday when the Cougars face off with non-conference foe Hollins University at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant Center.