DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University women's lacrosse team defeated conference foe N.C. Wesleyan College 17-2 for its first win of the season on Saturday afternoon on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
 
Averett freshman Elizabeth Peasley picked up a failed clearance in the fourth minute of play and went unmarked toward the goal, firing her shot past the Bishops' keeper to give the Cougars the early lead and start the offensive onslaught. Over the next 22:36 of game time, Averett (1-1, 1-0 USA South) would spread the offense around as the Cougars used five different goal scorers to take a commanding 11-0 lead.
 
Alexandra Cucinotta would score one of her two goals on the day with just under three minutes remaining in the half to cut into the Averett advantage. Peasley would respond with another goal, with just over a minute to play, off an assist from freshman Haley Boardway to give the Cougars a 12-1 edge at the break over N.C. Wesleyan (0-2, 0-1 USA South).
 
Up by the minimum 10 goals, the Cougars benefitted from a running clock throughout the entire second half. Averett led in shots, ground balls and draw controls during this period which paced them to five more goals and the 17-2 victory.
 
Peasley led all Averett scorers with six goals on the day while freshmen Gabbie Porter and Shayla Johnson each chipped in four of their own. In addition, the Cougars had seven assists from seven different individuals.
 
This win marks the first under the direction of head coach Kelly Ryan and the first of the 2018 campaign. The last victory for the program came against N.C. Wesleyan on April 3, 2007, a 14-10 Cougar win.  
 
Averett continues conference play on Tuesday when the Cougars travel to take on Ferrum College. Game time is set for 6 p.m.