WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Averett University volleyball held off Salem College 3-2 in five sets to pick up a USA South Conference road win on Tuesday night. The Cougars took the first two sets 25-19 and 26-24, and after losing the next two, held on 15-10 to secure the win over the Spirits.

Averett (14-11, 11-1 USA South) dominated the first set, but Salem (11-10, 7-5 USA South) jumped out to the early lead in Set 2 as the Spirits looked to even the match. Salem led 18-9 at one point before Averett slowly fought back from behind. Down 24-16, the Cougars inched closer despite Salem had set point seven times. Each time, Averett avoided giving up a point and eventually tied it at 24-24. The Cougars won the next two points on kills from freshman Morgan Barnes to go up 2-0 in the match thanks to the improbable rally that saw Averett win the final nine points while on the ropes.

The Cougars seemed poised to complete the sweep, however Salem rallied back late in Set 3. The Spirits also took Set 4 to set up the deciding fifth frame.

Salem led 5-4 in the fifth set before Averett rattled off four consecutive points as the Cougars took an 8-5 advantage into the switch on the court. With Averett leading 14-10, Salem's service error sealed the win for the Cougars, who find themselves in the driver's seat atop the USA South's East Division standings with four regular season conference matches remaining.

Averett had three players with double-digit kills, led by sophomore Sarah Shropshire's 16 kills, 15 digs and three blocks. Freshman Lauren Montren also had a double-double of 3 kills and 18 digs, while senior Madison Dadez added 11 kills. Barnes added nine kills and a team-high four blocks. Freshman Meg Hopkins, meanwhile, led the Cougars with 50 assists to go with 14 digs. In addition to Montren, sophomore Zamyiah Mangum matched her with a team-high 18 digs and junior Myka Patterson finished with 14 digs.

Averett travels to Mary Baldwin University on Thursday for a conference matchip.