DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University volleyball opened its 2019 season with a tough 3-1 loss to Bob Jones University as part of the 25th annual Cougar Classic hosted at the Grant Center on Friday night. Averett began with a 25-22 win in the first set before dropping two close games, 25-22 and 27-25. The Bruins clinched the victory with a 25-12 win in the fourth set.

In the opening set, Averett (0-1) slowly distanced itself from Bob Jones (2-0) midway through with the help of two kills by freshman Lauren Montren, a kill by junior McKenzie Miller and a service ace by senior Madison Dadez that pushed the Cougars' lead to 21-15. Although the Bruins pulled within 24-22 late, sophomore Sarah Shropshire put down the final kill off a pass from Miller to secure a 1-0 lead for Averett.

In Set 2, it was Bob Jones who made a late run to get the upper hand after breaking a 17-17. With the match tied 1-1, Averett scored five consecutive points to jump in front 19-17, forcing the Bruins to call timeout. Out of the break, Bob Jones took the next three points as the two teams battled toe-to-toe into extra points. The Cougars had set point twice before Bob Jones won 27-25. Up 2-1, the Bruins' big start in the fourth set helped them win their second match of the day.

Montren turned in a team-high 15 kills and 18 digs in her collegiate debut. Shropshire also added a double-double of 12 kills and 11 digs. Senior Harper Scollo and sophomore Zamyiah Mangum each added 13 digs apiece, while Miller had 39 assists and three total blocks.

Averett returns to action on Saturday when the Cougars host Roanoke College at 10 a.m. and Southern Virginia University at 2 p.m. to finish the Cougar Classic.