RALEIGH, N.C. - The Meredith College softball team claimed game one in Saturday's USA South doubleheader versus the Averett Cougars. AU entered the day undefeated in the conference and dominated game two with a 13-0, five-inning finish to force the split.

After a scoreless first inning in the day's opener, Meredith loaded the bases on a single and a pair of walks in the bottom of two. Rookie Alyssa D'Arco crushed a ball to right field for a three-RBI triple secure the eventual win for the Avenging Angels.

The Cougars rallied in the top of six with two runs on three hits, including a double from Mary Beth Smith, to challenge Meredith's lead.

Meredith left three on base in the bottom of the frame leaving the finish to winning pitcher Amanda Beirne.

Averett turned in a 10-hit, 12-RBI offensive performance in game two to leave Meredith holding the loss.

Leah Friedman led the Avenging Angels with three hits on the day, including a double in game one. Senior catcher Lorri Cole doubled in the fourth inning of game two but was left on base.

Nine of eleven Averett batters posted at least one hit in the nightcap, with Smith and Amy Hamlet recording three RBI apiece.

Meredith travels across town Sunday for a StrikeOut Cancer doubleheader versus rival William Peace. The USA South action was pushed up to a 10 a.m. start in an effort to beat the rain forecasted for the day.