LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Averett University softball team fell 2-0 to Lynchburg College on Thursday afternoon in a non-conference matchup at Moon Field. The Hornets defeated the Cougars 9-0 in five innings in the first matchup and 6-3 in the second.

In the first game, Lynchburg (7-2) scored five runs through the first two innings behind Mackenzie Chitwood's 3 RBI home run to give itself a sizable cushion. In the fourth inning, Lynchburg piled on four more runs to seal the game.

Averett (6-7) started strong in the second game, scoring three runs by the end of the third frame. Sophomore third baseman Andrea Grant hammered a 2 RBI home run to add on to the Cougars' 1-0 lead. It was her second home run of the season, and she finished 1-for-3 at the plate. However, the Hornets had a late surge, scoring six runs off of a Taylor Mabry grand slam that was followed by two more homers.

Freshman second baseman Casey Cook went 2-for-4 while Jessica Long and Laura Young added one hit apiece. Freshman pitcher Kaitlyn Aherron ended the day with seven strikeouts.

The Cougars will look to avenge themselves at home in their first conference doubleheader against Greensboro College on Saturday at 1 p.m.