RALEIGH, N.C. — Averett University volleyball earned a 3-2 victory over William Peace University in non-conference action on Thursday night in the Hermann Athletic Center.
 
Averett (1-1) won 15-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21 and 15-11.
 
William Peace (0-1) looked dominant in the first set which was their first action in 485 days. The Pacers rattled off seven-points in a row creating a 23-13 advantage leading to the set one victory.  

The Cougars settled in once the second set got rolling stretching out a five point led, 13-8, midway through the set. This pushed Averett to even the sets at one. Although the Cougars dropped the pivotal third set, they stormed out to a 10-3 lead to begin the fourth. The Pacers crawled within four 20-16 before the Cougars went on a three-point run to force a deciding fifth set. 

Once again a hot start led the Cougars to the victory as they jumped out to an 8-1 lead. William Peace inched to 14-11 at one point before the Cougars were able to put it away and secure the victory.

Sophomore Morgan Barnes finished with a team-high 16 kills while hitting .344 and also added three blocks. Also, sophomore Lauren Montren had 15 kills and 17 digs. Senior McKenzie Miller finished with 56 assists and 11 digs for the Cougars, who also got 20 digs from freshman libero Erin Gray.

Averett will face Meredith College on the road Saturday in a double header with the first game at noon being the conference opener.