The University of Mount Olive (5-5, 5-3) battled back to knock off No. 10 nationally-ranked Limestone University (7-5, 6-3) 3-2 in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas action on Sunday afternoon. With the victory, Trojans get their first win over a nationally-ranked opponent, an undefeated record at home, and the most wins in a season.
Game Information
The opening quarter had Limestone record the first shot 9:04 into the frame. The Saints went on to have two penalty corners over the next minute and the Trojans held LU off the boards. Included in the quarter were two saves by Victoria Lane and a defensive save for Annefleur Morkerken.
The first quarter came and went, however, without a score.
Going into the second quarter, Limestone again registered the first shot seven minutes in. The UMO defense stood strong denying the scoring chance and two more shots by the Saints. The second did not have a goal for either side, however, it did not end without some controversy. With six seconds left on the clock, LU was awarded a penalty corner.
As the corner commenced the halftime horn blew before a shot was recorded, and thus most everyone on the field thought the quarter was over. However, the officials met outside of the circle and made a call to award Limestone a second penalty corner with no time on the clock, stating the corner was not over despite the horn sounding. Trojan keeper Lane did not falter, as she denied the scoring chance and the half finally came to a close still scoreless.
In the third, the Limestone offense imposed a tremendous amount of pressure causing the Trojans to allow three straight penalty corners to open the quarter. On the third corner, the Saints found a hole and broke the tie two minutes in.
Mount Olive did not stop pressuring back as Alisa Lovejoy made a stellar move to her right to fake out the Limestone keeper and have a wide-open look for a goal. She did just that and tied the game 6:38 into the quarter.
Limestone had another chance in the final five minutes but the shot hit the post and set up UMO to counter. The Trojans then earned a corner with 2:55 remaining. Morkerken struck for a goal off the corner, but it was blocked by the Saints. Morgan Paterson was able to break the tie moments later, as she beat the Saints keeper stick side and put UMO in front 2-1 heading into the fourth.
The final quarter had LU tie the game 1:53 in and the match was knotted at two. Following the goal from Limestone, UMO put the pressure back on receiving four consecutive penalty corners. The Trojans were held off the boards but a final corner in the 55th minute allowed Mount Olive its golden chance. Morkerken blasted a shot stick side of the LU keeper and the ball rattled around the goal putting UMO back in the lead 3-2.
The Trojan defense allowed just one offensive opportunity for Limestone for the remainder of the game but held on for the biggest win in program history.
Trojan Leaders
Annefleur Morkerken led the Trojans with the game-winning goal and a defensive save. Trojan keeper Lane also had eight saves in the contest.
Saint Leaders
Limestone was led by Kelly Diplock with one of Limestone’s two goals.
Key Stat
Mount Olive held the advantage in penalty corners in the second half 6-to-5. This gave UMO more chances to level the game and ultimately take the victory.
Coaches Comments
“A good win today that proved we are on the right track as individual players, but more importantly as a team. Everyone is growing every day since we started this journey, which is key to our current success,” UMO head coach Daan Polders
Up Next
The Trojans hit the road again to take on Queens (NC) in Charlotte on Oct. 15.