MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive softball team battled to a split in Tuesday’s doubleheader against University of South Carolina Beaufort at Cassell Field, falling 10-0 in the opener before bouncing back with a gritty 5-4 victory in game two.
Game One: Sand Sharks Strike Early
USC Beaufort wasted little time setting the tone in the first game, erupting for five runs in the top of the first inning. A pair of two-out walks kept the frame alive before a two-run double down the left field line and a three-run homer to left-center gave the Sand Sharks a commanding 5-0 lead.
The visitors added four more runs in the second on five hits and tacked on another in the fourth to extend the advantage to 10-0. The game ended after five innings due to the run rule.
Mount Olive had opportunities but could not capitalize. Emma King paced the offense with two hits and a stolen base, while B. Verme added a single. The Trojans put runners in scoring position in multiple innings but were unable to deliver the timely hit.
Game Two: Trojans Respond
In the nightcap, USC Beaufort manufactured a run in the second inning on a wild pitch to take a 1-0 lead. Mount Olive pitcher Alex Steen worked out of further trouble in the inning despite issuing multiple walks.
The Trojans answered in the bottom of the third. McKenzie Millard drew a walk and moved into scoring position before Emma King lined an RBI single to even the score. Samantha Taylor followed with a run-scoring single up the middle to give Mount Olive a 2-1 edge.
Mount Olive created separation in the fourth inning, plating three runs on four hits. Cadence Lane sparked the rally with a pinch-hit RBI double to left-center. Madelyn Sutton added an RBI single, and Millard capped the inning with a run-scoring base hit to push the lead to 5-1.
Steen settled in from there, delivering a resilient performance in the circle. The right-hander scattered just two hits over seven innings while striking out seven and throwing more than 140 pitches. Although USC Beaufort drew nine walks, Steen consistently pitched out of jams and limited hard contact.
The Sand Sharks mounted a final threat in the seventh, loading the bases and scoring twice to cut the deficit to 5-4. Mount Olive held firm, escaping the inning to secure the win and earn the split.
The Trojans return home Saturday to face Shaw University in a doubleheader scheduled for noon and 2 p.m.
