WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University continued its perfect start to USA South Conference women's basketball play with a 93-80 decision over visiting Averett University Saturday afternoon.

The win, combined with Ferrum's loss at Christopher Newport, gives Shenandoah (11-3, 4-0) sole possession of first place in the league. SU faces Ferrum at home on Tuesday.

At the outset, it appeared that the Hornets would make quick work of Averett (0-11, 0-4), but the Lady Cougars held tough. After SU jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead, AU rebounded to take a 15-14 advantage by the 10:51 mark.

The two teams then preceded to trade the lead three times and were tied on two others before the hosts finally took the lead for good when Alexis Hargbol canned a jumper in the paint with 6:40 to play in the first half.

Shenandoah finished the first on a 18-12 run and led 43-35 at the break.

Averett managed to cut the deficit to five points with 17:05 remaining, but SU reeled off the next five points of the game and AU could get no closer than eight points the rest of the way.

The Hornets managed to extend their advantage to as many as 20 points before Averett's strong backcourt pressure allowed them to gradually chip away at the hosts advantage.

The Lady Cougars again cut the deficit into single digits with 35 seconds showing, but SU made five of its final six attempts from the line to coast home to the 13-point win.

Hargbol led all scorers with 18 points while junior Whitney French added a career-high 17 points on five three-pointers and one layup.

Taylor Poirier had 16 for Averett.

Box Score 

That Ferrum game is scheduled for a 5:30 start on Tuesday.