FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Senior Elizabeth Peasley recorded eight goals to pace Averett University women's lacrosse to a 16-10 victory over Methodist University in USA South Conference action on Friday.

Averett (4-4, 2-1 USA South) jumped out to a 3-0 advantage in the opening seven minutes of play taking the lead off goals by junior Courtney DeLone, sophomore Kelsey Steckroth and Peasley as senior Gabbie Porter picked up the assist on Steckroth's score.

Methodist (3-4, 1-2 USA South) pulled within 3-2 following back-to-back goals, but senior Abby Taylor pushed the Cougars advantage to 4-2 and three straight goals by Peasley made the deficit 7-2 before the Monarchs scored to make it 7-3.

Porter added a goal with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half to extend the lead to 8-4 and Peasley netted two more first half goals to help Averett control an 11-5 lead at the half.

The Monarchs opened the second half with two more goals to cut the deficit to 11-7, but Peasley and Steckroth combined for back-to-back-to-back goals to open the margin to 14-7.

Methodist added three more goals over the final seven minutes of action, however, Peasley, Steckroth and DeLone combined for 13 goals to help preserve the victory.

Peasley finished with a game-high 11 draw controls, while senior Haley Boardway caused a game-high three turnovers and scooped up a game-best four ground balls.

Freshman Kaylee Joblon recorded five saves in net for the Cougars and Steckroth finished with a career-high three goals.

Averett returns to action on Thursday when it hosts Methodist at 4 p.m. in USA South action on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.