DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University volleyball opened the 2018 season with a 3-1 win over Randolph College in the 24th annual Cougar Classic on Friday night at the Grant Center. The Cougars, however, fell 3-1 to Southern Virginia University in the finale of the first day.

Senior Jordan Pitzer's double-double of 12 kills and 14 digs helped Averett (1-1) pick up the opening win over Randolph (0-2). After the two teams split the first two sets, Averett jumped ahead with a strong 25-18 performance in Set 3. Randolph didn't go away in the fourth set. The Cougars and WildCats each had a chance for set point late, but Averett prevailed in extra points with kills by senior Keenan Marks and junior Madison Dadez to clinch the victory.

Dadez and sophomore Brooke Aaron each had nine kills. Senior Emily Stanley totaled 21 digs, with Marks adding 12 digs and 24 assists. Dadez also finished with six total blocks, while sophomore McKenzie Miller tallied six kills, 18 assists, seven digs and four total blocks.

Averett turned around to play Southern Virginia (2-0) at the end of the night. The Knights squeaked out a 27-25 win in the opening set, with Averett returning the favor with a 27-25 victory in Set 2. Southern Virginia picked up some momentum in Set 3, winning 25-20. That carried over into the fourth set as the Knights built a solid lead. Yet, the Cougars didn't go down without swinging. Southern Virginia had match point, 24-12, before Averett rattled off eight consecutive points to get within four before the Knights got the winning point.

Pitzer led the team with 11 kills and Aaron had seven kills and 15 digs. Stanley led the way with 22 digs. Miller and Marks had 20 assists and 13 assists, respectively. Dadez added four total blocks.

Averett returns to the court on Saturday at 10 a.m. against Roanoke College. The Cougars also face Guilford College at 2 p.m. later in the day.