DANVILLE, Va. — Highlighted by a Hannah Zabik two-hit complete game shutout in the first game, Averett University softball swept visiting Shenandoah by scores of 2-0 and 5-4 on Saturday afternoon at Cougar Field.

The senior pitcher/outfielder Zabik went the distance for Averett (15-7, 2-2 ODAC), allowing just two hits while keeping Shenandoah (15-5, 4-2 ODAC) off the scoreboard across all seven innings in game one.

Averett got all the offense it needed early, with one run each scored in the first and second innings. At the plate, the Cougars tallied seven hits from seven different batters. Junior infielder Mackenzie Newcomb and Zabik notched the RBIs. 

In the second game, Averett struck first in the opening inning when Newcomb rocketed an RBI single down the left field line to bring home junior infielder Carson Bradsher, which gave the Cougars an early 1-0 lead.

The Hornets replied with a three-run second inning, highlighted by RBI singles from Marisa Sawn and Kelly Hartman along with a sacrifice fly from Cadence Rieg, to take a 3-1 advantage. The Hornets added another run in the fourth on an RBI double by Rieg to extend the lead to 4-2.

In the sixth inning, Averett capitalized on Shenandoah miscues. Senior Kailey Gates and junior Kadence Woodlief both scored on a throwing error to tie the game at 4-4. One inning later, Bradsher came around to score the go-ahead run on a wild pitch to confirm the sweep.

Bradsher led Averett offensively, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Newcomb added an RBI hit, while Gates scored twice and reached base twice. Woodlief, freshman Kennidy Kirby, sophomore Brianna Brooks, and Zabik each recorded a hit as the Cougars totaled nine on the day.

In the circle, freshman Cora Liggon earned the win in relief, as she tossed 3.1 shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out one to close out the game. Senior Sarah Lysohir added 2.1 innings of relief with two strikeouts.

Averett does not get much rest before its next bout of action, hosting Eastern Mennonite University tomorrow afternoon for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.

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