WILSON — The pitching staff for University of Mount Olive delivered a pair of dominant performances Tuesday, but the Trojans were unable to generate offense, falling 1-0 in both games of a Conference Carolinas doubleheader against Barton College.
Despite the sweep, Mount Olive pitchers controlled the day, allowing just two total runs across 13 innings. Barton scored only in the first inning of game one and the seventh inning of game two.
In the opener, Bri Verme turned in a strong complete-game performance, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four. Barton plated its lone run in the bottom of the first inning, but Verme quickly settled in, retiring hitters efficiently and limiting scoring opportunities the rest of the way.
Her outing sparked an impressive stretch of 11 consecutive scoreless innings by Mount Olive pitchers, bridging into game two and keeping the Trojans within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
However, Mount Olive’s offense struggled to find rhythm, managing just two hits in game one as Barton held on for the narrow victory.
Game two featured more of the same from the Trojans’ pitching staff. Alex Steen opened with four shutout innings, working around early traffic and preventing Barton from capitalizing. Linda Hodge followed with 2.2 strong innings in relief, extending the scoreless streak into the seventh inning.
Barton finally broke through in its final at-bat, delivering a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to secure the sweep.
Mount Olive returns home Wednesday for a non-conference doubleheader against Augusta. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field.
