DUE WEST, S.C. — Mount Olive Trojans softball delivered a commanding performance on both offense and defense to sweep Erskine Flying Fleet in a doubleheader, winning 8-2 in game one and 7-2 in game two.
The Trojans wasted no time setting the tone in the opener. After drawing two early walks in the first inning, Elizabeth Thome came through with a clutch two-out, two-run double to right-center to give Mount Olive the early advantage. Although Erskine responded with a run in the bottom half, the Trojans quickly regained control.
Mount Olive broke the game open in the third inning, erupting for six runs on six hits. Samantha Taylor ignited the rally with a solo home run, while Thome added her second two-run double of the game. Linda Hodge and Taylor each contributed RBI hits as the Trojans extended their lead to 8-1.
Hodge took care of the rest in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just two runs on six hits and issuing no walks. She kept Erskine off balance throughout, recording 10 flyouts and eight groundouts to shut down any comeback hopes.
Game two followed a similar script, with Mount Olive jumping out early once again. The Trojans capitalized on an Erskine error in the first inning to score two runs, then widened the gap in the second when Taylor blasted a three-run home run to make it 5-0.
Mount Olive continued to apply pressure in the third inning, using aggressive baserunning and another Erskine miscue to push the lead to 6-0. Taylor later added a solo home run in the sixth to cap the scoring for the Trojans.
Erskine managed single runs in the fourth and sixth innings, but Mount Olive’s defense remained steady. Emma Myatt secured the win in game two with a complete-game effort, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits. She worked efficiently through seven innings, generating 12 groundouts and escaping a late threat in the seventh.
With the sweep, the Trojans build momentum heading into their next matchup. Mount Olive returns to action Wednesday for a doubleheader against Ferrum Panthers in Ferrum, Virginia. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., with game two to follow at 4:00 p.m.
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