DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University wrestling team defeated Washington and Lee University on Thursday night, 27-19.

Averett (2-7) jumped out to an early 18-0 lead in the dual, receiving three forfeits at 125, 133 and 141 pounds. Washington and Lee (9-6) would get on the board in the next bout as freshman William Merritt dropped his bout at 149 pounds, 11-4, to bring the team score line to 18-3.

Freshman Caleb Harmon won his match at 157 pounds over William Medick, 6-4. Medick scored an early takedown in the first period to grab the lead, but Harmon was able to get a reversal before the end of the period to tie the bout at two. Another reversal in the second period and a takedown in the third proved to be enough as the Chatham, Virginia native held on for the 6-4 decision.

Washington and Lee went on to win the next four bouts, collecting two decisions, a major decision and a fall to cut Averett's team score advantage to 21-19. A forfeit at 285 pounds propelled the Cougars to 27 team points where the dual would end with Averett ahead, 27-19.

Averett is back in action on Friday, Feb. 23, as the Cougars head to Ferrum, Virginia to compete for their spots in the national tournament at the NCAA Southeast Regional.