MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive women’s volleyball team battled through a pair of tough matches Saturday, falling to Wingate and Fayetteville State to close out the 2026 Pickle Invitational at Kornegay Arena.
Mount Olive opened the final day of tournament action against Wingate, falling 3-1 by set scores of 25-19, 25-21, 19-25 and 25-17.
After dropping the first two sets, the Trojans responded in the third, recording 15 kills and posting a .343 hitting percentage to earn a 25-19 victory and extend the match. Wingate answered in the fourth set, however, taking a 25-17 win to secure the match.
Kaitlyn Landis led the Mount Olive offense with 13 kills, while Olivia Melvin finished with nine. Kaitlyn Koel added seven kills, and Danielle Parker recorded six while posting a team-best .500 hitting percentage.
Lyndsay Reid paced the Trojans with 22 assists, while Kacey Gore led the defensive effort with 25 digs. Mount Olive totaled 76 digs in the match.
Trojans Push Fayetteville State to Five Sets
Mount Olive closed the invitational with a five-set battle against Fayetteville State, but the Broncos escaped Kornegay Arena with a 3-2 victory.
Fayetteville State claimed the opening set 25-18 before Mount Olive responded with a 26-24 victory in the second to even the match.
The Broncos regained the advantage with a narrow 25-23 victory in the third set, putting the Trojans on the brink of defeat.
Mount Olive refused to go quietly.
The Trojans battled through another tight fourth set and pulled out a 26-24 victory to force a decisive fifth frame.
Mount Olive stayed within striking distance in the final set and cut into the Broncos’ advantage late, but Fayetteville State held on for a 15-11 victory to take the match.
Melvin led the Trojans with 12 kills, while Landis, Naomi Hill and Koel each contributed nine kills.
Mount Olive will look to rebound when the Trojans return to Kornegay Arena on Wednesday, Sept. 9, to face UNC Pembroke. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Comments