MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive softball team continued its late-season push Friday, sweeping King University with a 5-1 victory in Game 1 and a 2-0 shutout in Game 2.
Despite a busy stretch of games, the Trojans remained focused, relying on strong pitching and timely hitting to secure the doubleheader sweep and build momentum in Conference Carolinas play.
Mount Olive struck first in the opener when McKenzie Millard reached on a bunt single, stole second, and later scored on an RBI single by Emma King down the right-field line for an early 1-0 lead.
Alex Steen kept the Tornado lineup off balance throughout the contest, working around traffic in multiple innings to preserve the advantage. King threatened in the middle innings with runners in scoring position, but Steen delivered key outs to escape the jams. Steen (12-6) tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six.
The Trojans broke the game open in the sixth inning. Hadley Womack drew a leadoff walk before Samantha Taylor launched a two-run home run to left field, extending the lead to 3-0. Elizabeth Thome added an RBI on a fielder’s choice, and Brianna Verme capped the four-run rally with another run-scoring hit to push Mount Olive ahead 5-0. King added a run in the seventh, but Steen closed the door to secure the win.
Mount Olive carried that momentum into Game 2, where Hailey King delivered a dominant performance in the circle.
The Trojans again struck early when Kynley Brewer walked and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Millard. Emma King followed with an RBI single to give Mount Olive a 1-0 lead.
After several scoreless innings highlighted by strong pitching from both teams, Mount Olive added an insurance run in the fourth. Womack advanced to third and scored as Emily Saw stole a base, extending the advantage to 2-0.
King controlled the final innings, allowing just two hits while generating consistent fly-ball outs. King briefly threatened in the seventh with a leadoff double, but the Mount Olive right fielder threw out the runner attempting to stretch the hit into a triple, ending the rally and preserving the shutout.
King (2-3) earned the victory, allowing just two hits while striking out one and walking one.
With the sweep, Mount Olive improves to 24-22 overall and 13-11 in conference play, continuing to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Trojans return to action Saturday against Lees-McRae College, with games scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
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