Softball | 4/18/2009 3:44:41 PM

BURLINGTON, N.C. - The Averett Cougars jumped on the Monarchs early, and Methodist just could not make up ground as they lost 7-1 in the USA South Tournament.

Averett scored two runs on two hits in the bottom of the first, but the Monarchs came back in the second to get on the board after Darci Martin led off with a single to left field. Sara Poling sacrificed her to second and Martin scored on Alex Bass' single to the gap in right center. Bass struck out the side in the bottom of the second, but the Cougars came back and added a run in the third to lead 3-1.

Martin doubled in the fourth and reached third on a groundout, but was left stranded while Averett scored an unearned run in the fifth. In the bottom of the sixth, the Cougars put together four hits to score three runs and extend their lead. Poling led off the seventh with a single, but Averett got the double play and a groundout to win 7-1.

Talbert and Martin were both 2-for-3 while Poling and Bass had the other two hits for Methodist. Bass pitched the complete game to take the loss while allowing eight hits with seven strikeouts.

Sandra Dennison won her 13th game of the season for Averett with five strikeouts.

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