DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University softball split a doubleheader with No. 16 Christopher Newport University on Thursday, taking Game 1 9-4 and falling 8-6 in Game 2. 

To start the day, the Cougars (13-7) broke things open in the third inning, plating seven runs to seize control and power past the nationally ranked Captains (16-6).

Freshman Kennidy Kirby had a two-run double, while junior Kadence Woodlief and senior Hannah Zabik each drove in a run. Senior Abby Owen added an RBI triple later in the game, and sophomore Adrianna Winters finished with two hits and an RBI.

Averett totaled 12 hits in the win. Zabik earned the victory in the circle, pitching 5.2 innings, and junior Kaci Stephenson closed it out.

The Captains responded in Game 2, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding two more in the second to take a 5-0 lead. 

The Cougars answered in the second inning and continued to chip away, scoring in five different innings. Averett added single runs in the third and fourth, then scored twice in the fifth and once more in the sixth to cut the deficit to 7-6 in favor of Christopher Newport. 

Senior Kailey Gates led the offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Winters added two hits and an RBI, while sophomore Brianna Brooks and Owen each drove in a run.

Despite the steady comeback, the Captains added an insurance run in the seventh inning and the Cougars were unable to rally in the final frame.

Averett hosts Shenandoah University on Saturday for a conference doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.