MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. (April 27) – The University of Mount Olive women’s lacrosse team secured its fifth consecutive Conference Carolinas Championship on Sunday evening with a thrilling 18-14 victory over Belmont Abbey at the Ray McDonald Sr. Sports Complex.

Redshirt sophomore Katie Broom led the charge for the Trojans with a game-high six points, scoring five goals and adding one assist. Her outstanding performance throughout the tournament earned her Tournament MVP honors, finishing postseason play with 13 points on nine goals and four assists.

Senior Lena DeFilippo contributed four goals and one assist, while sophomore Caroline Clark played a pivotal role with three goals, one assist, three draw controls, two caused turnovers, and a ground ball. Sophomore Kayanna Bowden added three goals and an assist, and sophomore Simone McCraw anchored the defense with three caused turnovers. In goal, senior Anna James collected four saves on 19 shots to help Mount Olive clinch the win.

The game remained tightly contested through three quarters, with the teams tied at 11-11 entering the final frame. However, the Trojans pulled away in the fourth with a dominant offensive surge, opening the quarter with three unanswered goals—including a man-down goal from Clark—to take a 14-11 lead. Despite a quick response from Belmont Abbey, Mount Olive closed the game with four consecutive goals to seal the championship victory.

With the win, the Trojans improve to 11-7 on the season and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse Tournament. This marks the program’s second appearance on the national stage. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, at 8:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.

Mount Olive placed four players on the All-Tournament Team: Katie Broom (MVP), Lena DeFilippo, Rileigh White, and Giavahna Gasdia.