DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University women's volleyball took a 3-1 conference loss against No. 23 Virginia Wesleyan University at home on Saturday.

The Cougars (2-9, 0-3 ODAC) stayed within striking distance of the Marlins (13-0, 3-0 ODAC) throughout the first set, but the Marlins offense prevailed, taking the set 25-19. 

A kill by senior Nina Moore in the second set was able to get Averett within one point of Virginia Wesleyan. The Marlins went on a four-point rally to gain some distance between the two teams, making the score 23-17 before clinching Set 2 with a score of 25-19. 

The Cougars took an early 4-0 lead against the Marlins in the third and never let up. Noise filled the Grant Center as Averett continued to show out, with kills from senior Rachel Green and juniors Tahani Villines, Sydney Mounce and Brianna Larios. A solo block by Larios clinched the third set for the Cougars 25-18. 

Virginia Wesleyan gained momentum in the fourth, taking the set 25-17 and adding their thirteenth consecutive win to their arsenal.

Mounce led the Cougars with 10 kills, while Villnes had 9 and Green had 8. Senior Dayton Moore and freshman Alyssa Hatcher had 15 and 14 assists respectively. 

Sophomore libero Kyleigh Rains held off the Marlins' offense with 18 digs.

Averett hosts Roanoke College Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for a conference match.