FERRUM, Va. — The Averett University baseball team dropped the rubber match, 11-2, of a three game set on Sunday at Ferrum College.

Averett (3-12, 2-4 USA South) collected two runs in the top of the ninth on two hits. Freshman Nick Taylor took advantage of a leadoff walk by doubling a ball down the right field line. Ferrum (4-9, 2-1 USA South) would collect the second out on the next Cougar batter before sophomore Hunter LePrell brought both runs home with his single to right center.

After four innings of play, the Panthers held the edge on the scoreboard, 4-0. Neither team would scratch a run across in the fifth. However, Ferrum would go on to tally two runs in the sixth, three in the seventh and two in the eighth to pull away from Averett.

Senior Dallas Smithers got the start on the mound today and went 3 1/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned), while striking out four and walking four. At the plate, Smithers went 2-for-4 and junior Matt Tuggle finished the day 2-for-3.

Averett returns to action on Monday, March 5, when they travel to take on Lynchburg College. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.