GASTONIA, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive Trojans saw their 2026 season come to a close Saturday morning following a 6-2 loss to North Greenville University Crusaders in an elimination game at the Conference Carolinas Tournament.
Mount Olive struck first in the opening inning, as Josh Mason powered a solo home run to left field to give the Trojans an early 1-0 lead. The game then settled into a pitching duel, with Mount Olive’s staff holding North Greenville scoreless through several middle innings.
North Greenville tied the game in the sixth inning with a solo home run, but Mason responded quickly. The Trojans slugger delivered again with his second solo homer of the day, this time down the right field line, to put Mount Olive back on top 2-1.
The Trojans threatened to break the game open later in the inning, loading the bases behind hits from Jakhari Howard and Rowan Watt, along with a walk from Ryder Hancock. However, North Greenville managed to escape the jam without allowing a run—an opportunity that proved costly.
Momentum shifted in the eighth inning, when North Greenville capitalized with a string of timely hits and disciplined at-bats, scoring four runs to take control with a 5-2 lead.
Despite Mason accounting for all of Mount Olive’s offense with his two-home run performance, the Trojans were unable to generate additional scoring to answer the late surge.
Mount Olive closes out the 2026 campaign with a 29-21 overall record, including a strong 20-12 showing in Conference Carolinas play.
