GREENSBORO, N.C. — Averett University softball split a road doubleheader with Greensboro College on Wednesday, opening with a 2-1 win before falling 1-0 in the second game.

In game one, Averett (1-1) used a two-run fourth inning and strong pitching to secure the victory. Freshman Kennidy Kirby led the offense with two hits and one run scored, while senior Kailey Gates also recorded two hits. 

The Cougars capitalized on Greensboro (3-1) errors in the fourth, scoring twice on a wild pitch and an error to take a 2-0 lead. Greensboro answered with a run in the sixth, but senior Hannah Zabik and freshman Cora Liggon combined to close out the win, allowing just one run on six hits with eight strikeouts.

Game two turned into a pitcher's duel, but Averett came up just short in a 1-0 loss. Greensboro broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning, using a hit-by-pitch, a single, and a sacrifice bunt to set up the game's only run on a fielder's choice. 

Averett recorded five hits in the second game, with junior Kadence Woodlief leading the way with two hits, while sophomore Brianna Brooks, junior Carson Bradsher and Liggon each added one. The Cougars pounced in the fifth with three straight singles to load the bases, but a lineout and two outs on the base paths ended the inning and preserved the shutout. 

The Cougars travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Saturday for a doubleheader against Salem College beginning at 1 p.m.