WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University earned its sixth win in its last seven games with a 67-55 USA South Conference women's basketball victory over visiting Averett Saturday afternoon.

The victory for SU (13-8, 9-6 USA uSouth) also salvages a season sweep over the Cougars (13-8, 9-6).

Both teams started the game especially cold - the Hornets and AU combined to miss their first 14 shots from the field (seven for each team) as Shenandoah was able to take a 4-0 lead by hitting four of its first six attempts from the foul line.

The Hornets were able to maintain this lead throughout the contest, although Averett did cut the deficit to inside of four points on five different occasions in the second half of play.

SU, which honored seniors Katherine Flint and Alexis Hargbol prior to the game, took a 30-24 lead into the half on the strength of 10 points from sophomore Mandy Johnston.

Shenandoah held at least a three-point lead at the start of the second until a 5-0 AU run brought the visitors to within one, 37-36, with 14:01 remaining.

Fortunately for the Shingleton Gymnasium crowd, SU answered on its next trip down the floor, this one a Flint baseline jumper, and the hosts would hold at least three-point advantage the rest of the way.

Flint's 12-footer also started a 6-0 Shenandoah run and after Averett got to within two at the 5:14 mark, the Hornets finally pulled away for good by scoring nine of the game's next 10 points to hold a 61-51 lead with 1:53 to play.

SU completed the game by making six of its final 10 attempts from the charity stripe.

Johnston led all scorers with 18 points while Sierra Edwards added 16 off the bench. Hargbol was tops on the boards with 11.

Ashley Washington had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Averett.

Shenandoah is back in action Tuesday at Mary Baldwin.

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