By Amber Winsor

DANVILLE, Va.—The Knights were defeated 2-0 and 4-1 in a double header against Averett University on Saturday afternoon at Owen-Fulton Field.

The Cougars (6-7, 1-2 USA South) took an early 1-0 lead over Southern Virginia (4-7) in game one, scoring off a sacrifice fly in the first inning. Averett added to their lead in the third inning scoring off of a wild pitch for the 2-0 win over the Knights.

Freshman Craig Reeves earned a double as Southern Virginia tallied seven hits including two from Ryan Morin. Ryan Saunders, Marcus Begg, Nick Carter, and Josh Hilburn each recorded a hit.

Junior Colin Bigelow earned seven strikeouts against 25 batters in six innings pitched.

In game two Averett continued their momentum earning three runs off of two RBI doubles in the first inning. The Knights got on the scoreboard in the top of the sixth when Marcus Begg earned an RBI double to right field which brought Jordan Nase across for the run. The Cougars scored again in the bottom of the sixth off a sacrifice bunt, sealing the second win of the day 4-1.

Senior Gage Bigelow pitched six innings and recorded three strikeouts.

The Southern Virginia baseball team opens conference play on Wednesday, March 9 against the University of Mary Washington. The game is set to begin at 3 p.m.