DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University softball dropped a pair of non-conference games to Pfeiffer University on Sunday. The Falcons took the opener 8-0 in five innings, then won the second game 14-4 in five at Cougar Field.
 
After losing the opener, Averett (4-10) started Game 2 on a strong note. Junior Andrea Grant's two-run double to right-center scored sophomores Kaitlyn Aherron and Brianna Harris to put the Cougars in front 2-0 in the bottom of the first.

However, Pfeiffer (11-1) responded with a big inning. The Falcons pieced together eight hits — including a grand slam — and took advantage of two errors to score 11 runs in the top of the second. The Falcons added three more runs in the fourth to go ahead 14-2.

Despite the deficit, Averett continued to battle. The Cougars loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the fourth for sophomore Nicole Cauthen, who smacked a two-run single to center field to trim Pfeiffer's lead to 14-4.

Grant finished with a pair of hits to lead the Cougars offensively in the second game.

While Pfeiffer utilized the one big inning to win the nightcap, the Falcons slowly built their lead in Game 1. Pfeiffer took a 2-0 lead in the second inning with an RBI groundout and an RBI fielder's choice. The Falcon increased their lead to 4-0 in the third with a pair of RBI singles and made it 6-0 on a two-run homer in the fourth. Pfeiffer added two more runs in the fifth to help end the game early.

Averett had several opportunities to get on the scoreboard, but didn't catch a break. In the second inning, the Cougars loaded the bases with only one out. Yet, Pfeiffer got out of the jam unharmed with a double play on a hard lineout to second base.

???????Aherron had two of the Cougars' four hits in Game 1.

Pfeiffer joined the USA South Conference this season, but don't count toward conference play as the Falcons reclassify from NCAA Division II to Division III.

???????Averett is scheduled to play non-conference foe Lynchburg College at home on Tuesday at 1 p.m., weather permitting.