DANVILLE, Va.  A game-altering run by Averett University led to the Cougars' 16-6 win over visiting Methodist women's lacrosse Thursday afternoon in USA South Athletic Conference action.

Tied at 2-2 through the game's first 25 minutes, Averett went on a commanding 11-1 run over the next 20 minutes of game time.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Averett def. Methodist, 16-6
Records: Methodist 3-5 (1-3 USA South), Averett 5-4 (3-1)
Location: Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium; Danville, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• With the Cougars leading 4-2 at halftime, Averett tallied the second period's first five goals to take a 9-2 lead with under 20 minutes to play. Elizabeth Peasley scored four of the five goals in the run, starting with a man-down goal and finishing with three consecutive scores in a span of two minutes.
• Taylor Mustian's free position goal with 18:41 on the clock cut the deficit to 9-3 but Averett claimed the next three goals, scoring thrice in two minutes for a 12-3 advantage. The Cougars' run was stopped by Morgan Eggleston scoring goal No. 4 for the Monarchs.
• Rosa Williams added two goals late in the game but the scores were separated by three straight Averett goals, leading to the final tally of 16-6.
• Goals from Mikayla Ramos and Alaijah Ward tied the game at 2-2 with 5:28 left in the first period but the Cougars added two goals before halftime for the 4-2 score. A free position gave Averett goal No. 1 and the Cougars added a second score to take a 2-0 lead with 9:01 remaining in the first half.

MORE TO IT

• In addition to goals, Williams led the Monarchs in ground balls (four) and caused turnovers (four). Tia Marlinghaus, Jalessa Batchelor, and Julee Delellis added three ground ball recoveries.
• Jem Golombeski finished with 12 saves in net for Methodist.
• After outshooting Averett 17-13 in the first half, Methodist was out shot 23-5 in the second period. The Cougars also claimed the draw control advantage, 15-2, in the final half.
• The final score was not indicative of a first half that featured just six goals. That is a season-low for either team through the first 30 minutes. 17 minutes passed before the game's first goal. 
• These two teams played each other just six days ago with Averett winning, 16-11, in Monarch Stadium.

UP NEXT

• It is a trip to Rocky Mount, N.C., for Methodist as North Carolina Wesleyan College hosts the Monarchs Saturday, April 10 for a conference contest at 12 p.m.
• Averett is back on Daly Field April 10 when the Cougars host Meredith College in league action at 2 p.m.