DANVILLE, Va. - Host Averett University sent Shenandoah University down to its second straight USA South Conference women's basketball defeat with a 58-53 victory Sunday afternoon at the Grant Center.

Shenandoah (7-7, 3-5 USA South) struggled from the field throughout the contest; the Hornets shot just 28.1 percent (16 of 57) from the field and also turned the ball over 29 times.

Averett (8-5, 5-3) committed 23 turnovers of its own, but converted Shenandoah's miscues into 19 points while also shooting 37.3 percent (19 of 51) from the field.

A 20-6 AU run midway through the first half turned a 13-9 Shenandoah lead into a 29-19 Cougars advantage; the hosts would not relinquish the lead for the remainder of the contest.

The Hornets would cut the deficit to as little as four points, the last with 1:02 left following a Sierra Edwards jumper in the lane, but could not get over the hump.

Mette Scheiman basically clinched the game for the Cougars on the ensuing possession following Edwards basket with a 3-pointer from the corner. The trey was one of five that Averett hit on the afternoon.

Edwards was the only SU player in double figures. She had 13 to go along with a team-high eight rebounds. Shenandoah held a 53-34 advantage on the glass, including 33-8 on the Cougars offensive end.

Ashley Washington had 17 and Kaneshia Slade 12 for the hosts.

Shenandoah hosts Peace College on Saturday in another USA South Conference contest.

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