SALEM, Va. — On opening day of the ODAC softball tournament, Averett softball picked up a 4-0 win over Shenandoah University on Friday at the Moyer Complex, using a big fourth inning and strong pitching to secure the victory to advance in pod two play.
After three scoreless innings, the Cougars (25-16, 9-11 ODAC) got on the board in the fourth. Senior Kadence Woodlief and sophomore Brianna Brooks started the rally with hits, and senior Sarah Lysohir brought in the first run with a walk. Senior Hannah Zabik followed with an RBI groundout, and junior Carson Bradsher added an RBI single to make it 3-0.
Averett added one more run in the fifth when freshman Kennidy Kirby walked, stole second, and scored on junior Mackenzie Newcomb's RBI single.
Zabik took care of the rest in the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout. She allowed just three hits and struck out two to earn her 14th win of the season.
Woodlief and Bradsher each had two hits to lead Averett, which finished with seven hits in the game. Shenandoah (29-10, 14-7 ODAC) had a chance in the fourth inning but couldn't score.
Averett will next play Bridgewater College in the winner's bracket at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2.
