LYNCHBURG, Va. — Averett University softball lost a pair of games at previously nationally ranked University of Lynchburg on Saturday. The Cougars fell 7-1 before getting edged in the final inning 2-1 in Game 2.
 
Averett (14-22, 8-12 ODAC) looked to knock off Lynchburg (27-9, 15-5 ODAC) in Game 2 to try to earn a doubleheader split. The Cougars scored first in the top of the first as freshman Mackenzie Newcomb singled, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch, which allowed her to come home easily on junior Hannah Jones' RBI single to center field.

The Cougars' 1-0 lead held up until the sixth when Lynchburg tied it on an RBI single to center. The Hornets then won it in the bottom of the seventh. After getting back-to-back singles to start the inning and sacrificing both runners into scoring position with a bunt, Lynchburg got an RBI groundout to get the 2-1 walk-off win.

Sophomore Hannah Zabik finished with two of Averett's six hits in Game 2. Senior Taylor Sullivan took the loss despite allowing just two runs while striking out seven.
 
In Game 1, Lynchburg scored five runs over the first two innings to jump ahead. Averett's lone run cam in the fourth inning on Sullivan's RBI double. The Hornets answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth, then added an insurance run in the sixth to pull away.

Averett finishes the regular season with a home series against Bridgewater College on April 27.


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