DANVILLE, Va. — Three Cougars recorded hat tricks as Averett University women's lacrosse defeated non-conference foe Juniata College 11-5 Wednesday afternoon on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.

Freshman Elizabeth Peasley totaled four goals while senior Alixis Roccia and freshman Rachel Hale finished with three goals each as Averett (6-5) pulled away from Juniata (3-3) in the second half. Roccia also tallied three assists for a total of six points to go with a team-high 10 ground balls and three caused turnovers.

Averett, which scored the last two goals before the half, opened the second period with five consecutive goals to take a commanding 9-3 lead. All three of Hale's goals came in the second half during that stretch. Three of Peasley's goals also came following halftime, increasing her season goal total to 44 — which ranks among the nation's leaders.

Averett held a 4-3 advantage at halftime. Roccia put the Cougars on the scoreboard with a goal on a free position shot at the 24:17 mark of the first half. After Juniata tied it, Roccia struck again for her second goal as she stormed down the field through the defense.

Juniata took a 3-2 lead with two goals in a 12-second span, but Averett responded with two goals over the final four minutes to take a one-goal lead into the break. Freshman Margaret Bautista scored unassisted to tie the game, 3-3, and Roccia found Peasley in front of the net for her first goal of the day.

Freshman Breanne Sawall had 10 saves in goal for the Cougars, who also got eight caused turnovers and seven ground balls by freshman Xasia Lewis.

Averett hosts conference foe LaGrange College Saturday at 1 p.m. The Cougars will hold Senior Day ceremonies prior to the start of the game.