DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University softball completed a dominant doubleheader sweep over Methodist University on Thursday afternoon, winning 7-0 in game 1 and 3-0 in game 2.
In the opener, Averett (18-8) used a big middle inning surge and a strong outing in the circle from senior
Hannah Zabik to take control early. The Cougars got on the board in the first inning when junior
Mackenzie Newcomb drove in freshman
Kennidy Kirby with an RBI double.
Averett then broke the game open with a three-run third inning, highlighted by RBI hits from junior
Kadence Woodlief and sophomore
Brianna Brooks, along with a sacrifice fly from senior
Kailey Gates.
The Cougars added three more runs in the fourth to extend the lead 7-0. Kirby and Newcomb continued to pace the offense, combining for six hits at the top of the lineup, while Woodlief drove in two runs.
Zabik was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout while allowing just two hits and striking out four.
In Game 2, Averett leaned on another strong pitching performance, this time from freshman
Cora Liggon, to secure the sweep.
After two scoreless innings, the Cougars broke through in the third when Woodlief delivered an RBI single to score
Carson Bradsher, who had reached earlier and stolen second. Averett added insurance in the fifth inning, as Woodlief came through again with a two-run double to push the lead to 3-0.
Liggon was in complete control in the circle, throwing a three-hit shutout while striking out two and walking just one. Methodist threatened at times but could not string together enough offense against the first-year pitcher.
Offensively, Bradsher led the way in Game 2 with two hits and two runs scored, while Woodlief accounted for all three RBIs.
The Cougars travel to Salem, Virginia next on Tuesday for an ODAC doubleheader against Roanoke College on Tuesday, Apr. 7, beginning at 3 p.m.
