ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — The Averett University women's lacrosse team secured the No. 2 seed in the 2019 USA South Conference Tournament on Tuesday with a 15-8 victory over N.C. Wesleyan College.

Sophomore Elizabeth Peasley regained the 3-2 lead for Averett (12-4, 8-2 USA South) with 14:03 to play in the first half before N.C. Wesleyan (3-13, 3-7 USA South) leveled the match once again 24 seconds later. The Cougars would not waver as the navy and gold would score six unanswered goals during the next 7:52 of game time. Ali Cucinotta scored twice in the span of 38 seconds for the Battling Bishops to cut the Averett lead to 9-5 with 4:24 left in the first half.

Averett responded with three goals in the last three minutes to own the 12-5 halftime edge.

The second half was a defensive affair as there was just a combined 19 shots taken compared to 34 attempted in the opening half. Averett and N.C. Wesleyan would each only convert on three of their opportunities in the second half because of the defensive struggle. However, the Cougars strong first half performance paced them to the 15-8 victory.

Peasley finished with four goals while fellow sophomore Haley Boardway collected a hat-trick for a career-high.

The Cougars return home to prepare for the regular season finale on Friday when Brevard College comes to town. Game time is set for 3 p.m.