DUNCAN, S.C. — Mount Olive’s postseason run came to a close on championship day as the Trojans dropped two games to Francis Marion in the Conference Carolinas Championship, finishing the tournament as runner-up after a resilient and impressive showing.
Mount Olive entered the final day needing just one win to secure the title but was unable to overcome Francis Marion, which surged to claim the championship with back-to-back victories.
The Trojans’ path to the title game showcased their determination and depth. Their bracket run included a single-elimination victory, a key upset over No. 2 seed Young Harris, and wins against both Southern Wesleyan and Francis Marion earlier in the tournament.
In the opening championship game, Mount Olive created early scoring opportunities but struggled to capitalize, leaving runners stranded in multiple innings. The game remained scoreless through three innings before Francis Marion broke through in the fourth. A two-out rally, capped by a three-RBI triple from Madalyn White, ignited a four-run inning that shifted momentum.
Francis Marion continued to build on its lead with a three-run fifth inning and added insurance in the sixth, pulling away for a 9-0 victory.
Facing elimination in a winner-take-all second game, Mount Olive responded with urgency. Samantha Taylor led off with a double, setting the tone for a more aggressive offensive approach. After leaving the bases loaded in the first inning, the Trojans broke through in the second. Taylor delivered a two-RBI triple to spark a five-run inning, while McKenzie Millard and Emma King added RBI contributions to give Mount Olive a 5-2 advantage.
However, Francis Marion answered immediately, tying the game in the bottom half of the inning. Mount Olive briefly regained the lead in the third on an RBI single from Kynley Brewer, making it 6-5, but the Patriots responded with a decisive four-run third inning to take control.
Francis Marion extended its lead with additional runs in the fourth and sixth innings, ultimately securing a 14-6 win to clinch the championship.
Despite the losses, Mount Olive’s tournament performance highlighted the team’s resilience and competitiveness. The Trojans battled through elimination games, defeated both the No. 2 and No. 1 seeds earlier in the bracket, and proved their ability to compete at a high level throughout the Conference Carolinas postseason.
The runner-up finish marks a strong conclusion to the 2026 season and underscores the program’s continued growth and potential.
