LYNCHBURG, Va. — Averett University softball split a conference doubleheader at Lynchburg on Tuesday, falling in Game 1 before bouncing back with a strong offensive performance to win the nightcap.
In the opener, Averett (22-16, 7-11 ODAC) jumped out to an early 4-0 lead with two runs in each of the first two innings. Senior Kadence Woodlief drove in a run with a double, and sophomore Brianna Brooks added an RBI on a sacrifice fly. The Cougars held that lead over the Hornets (24-14, 13-5 ODAC) into the seventh behind solid pitching from senior Hannah Zabik.
Lynchburg rallied late, though, scoring five runs in the seventh to hand Averett a 5-4 loss. Zabik pitched 6.1 innings and allowed just one earned run, while junior Mackenzie Newcomb led the offense with three hits.
Averett responded in Game 2 with a 9-7 victory in a back-and-forth contest. Lynchburg scored three runs in the first, but Averett answered with two in the second and took control with a four-run fifth inning. Newcomb delivered a key three-RBI double in that inning to help the Cougars take the lead.
The Cougars added three more runs in the seventh to build separation. Zabik had a big game at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while junior Carson Bradsher and freshman Kennidy Kirby each added two hits.
In the circle, senior Sarah Lysohir earned the win in relief, and Zabik picked up the save to close out the game.
The Cougars are back home on Saturday when they host Sweet Briar College for an ODAC doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. to wrap up their 2026 season.
