DANVILLE, Va. — Senior Alixis Roccia's goal with 58.8 seconds proved to be the final nail as Averett University women's lacrosse edged conference foe LaGrange College 19-17 in a tight game Saturday on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
 
Averett (7-5, 2-4 USA South) rallied from a 15-14 deficit with five consecutive goals to go in front 18-15 with 6:48 remaining. However, LaGrange (4-8, 2-4 USA South) responded with two goals in less than a one-minute span with 2:08 to play, pulling the Panthers within 18-17 and setting up a thrilling finish.

Ahead by only one goal, Averett forced a turnover after LaGrange controlled the draw. After killing some of the clock, freshman Haley Boardway passed off to Roccia, who eventually cut to the goal and fired in her fourth goal of the day with just under a minute to play.

Although LaGrange won the ensuing draw control, the Panthers turned the possession over to the Cougars, who ran out the clock for their sixth win in their last seven games.
LaGrange was poised to spoil Averett's Senior Day. Down 9-7 at halftime, the Panthers scored three goals in a row to start the second period. Averett and LaGrange traded jabs, but the Panthers managed to find some momentum and build a 15-13 advantage with 14:25 to play.

Averett responded with goals by freshmen Gabbie Porter, Elizabeth Peasley and Rachel Hale to retake a 16-15 lead. Averett freshman goalkeeper Breanne Sawall made one of several big saves on the day and fired long for Porter, who cut to the net and found Peasley for her sixth goal of the day and 50 th goal of the season, extending the Cougars' advantage to 17-15. Roccia added the third of her four goals with 6:48 remaining to put Averett ahead 18-15.

Peasley led the Cougars with six goals and one assist, while Roccia and Porter each had four goals. Porter also had an assist. Hale chipped in three goals and two assists, Boardway had two goals and freshman Xasia Lewis had one assist for the Cougars. Sawall finished with 13 saves.

Prior to the game, Averett honored its six seniors — Roccia, Cassidy Feldt, Tatyana Martin-Herndon, Danielle Funkhouser, Kristen Viegelmann and Ashley Jones.

Averett hosts conference foe Huntingdon College at 1 p.m. on Sunday.