DANVILLE, Va. - Shenandoah University used a 32-16 run at the beginning of the second half to propel itself to a 57-40 USA South Conference victory over host Averett University.

Shenandoah (4-9 overall, 2-3 USA South) broke open a 25-20 halftime lead by scoring 32 of the first 50 points scored in the second half.

After Averett (2-10, 1-4) scored the initial bucket after the intermission, coach Kathy Orsini's Hornets turned up the pressure on the defensive end of the floor. SU forced 11 turnovers in the final 20 minutes and had all eight of its blocks during the same span.

Orsini's club shot 13 for 32 in the second (40.6 percent)and outrebounded its hosts 32-22, including 21-10 on the Cougars offensive end.

AU never got any closer than the three points it trailed after scoring the jumper at 19:47, and saw its deficit reach double digits by the 16 minute mark.

Shenandoah extended its lead to as many as 19 in the game, which it did on three different occasions.

The end of the game brought excitement as Averett coach Kathy Bocock was ejected 1:06 left for arguing with the officials. Freshman Alicia Sanders (Wardensville, W. Va./East Hardy) made three of the four foul shots awarded following the two technical fouls.

Sophomore Dee Fisher (Arlington, Va./Yorktown) had a game high 13 to go along with 10 rebounds. It is her first double-double of the year.

Jessica Hefner and Jasmine Adams had nine points apiece for the Lady Cougars.

A complete box score and play by play can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/wb/012404.htm

SU travels to Ferrum College tomorrow afternoon for a 2:00 USA South contest.