DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University women's soccer team earned its first conference win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Salem College on Wednesday on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.

A first half goal from freshman Adriana Perez and a second half goal from senior Irania Ventura sealed the deal for the Cougars. Senior Bailee Brown also played well for Averett (3-8, 1-1 USA South), making 16 saves, with Salem (4-7, 1-1 USA South) outshooting the Cougars, 31-7.

There was a close call in the 18th minute, as players from both sides were clustered in the goalie box, but Salem's shot hit her own teammate in the head and the Cougars were able to clear it to avoid giving up a goal. In the 29th minute, senior Eimear Reddin crossed a ball into the box that was deflected off a Salem defender and Perez was in the right place at the right time as she finished it for her first goal of the season to give Averett a 1-0 lead.

The Cougars maintained this lead going into halftime, despite the Spirits outshooting them 18-4 on the half. Brown registered eight saves at the half and Reddin, senior Kaitlyn Barbour and junior Kirsten Clancy recorded the other three shots in addition to Perez's goal.

The Spirits were on Averett's side of the field early and often, logging 13 shots in the second half, but Brown and the Cougar defense did a good job of keeping them at bay and not allowing any goals. Ventura scored her goal in the 82nd minute, as freshman Jennifer Silva played a ball into the box and Ventura headed it in to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead and all but seal the deal for Averett with just over eight minutes remaining in the game.

The Cougars look to build off this win as they travel to Raleigh, N.C. for a road game against Meredith on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.