Mount Olive, NC — The University of Mount Olive softball team split its Conference Carolinas doubleheader with UNC Pembroke, falling 3-1 in a tightly contested opener before bouncing back with a convincing 8-1 victory in game two. With the split, the Trojans move to 21-17 overall and 11-7 in conference play.
In game one, Mount Olive and UNC Pembroke engaged in a pitcher’s duel from the start. The Braves struck first in the opening inning, drawing three walks before bringing home a run on a sacrifice fly to take an early 1-0 lead.
Mount Olive answered in the second inning when Elizabeth Thome tripled to set up the tying run. Madelyn Sutton followed with a sacrifice fly, allowing Thome to score and even the contest at 1-1.
Both teams traded scoreless innings behind strong pitching performances. Hailey King delivered a solid complete game for the Trojans, allowing just three hits and striking out four batters. Offensively, Samantha Taylor led Mount Olive with two doubles, continuing her standout season. Taylor currently ranks among conference leaders with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs.
The decisive moment came in the sixth inning when UNC Pembroke connected on a two-run home run, breaking the tie and securing the 3-1 victory.
Mount Olive responded quickly in game two, turning the momentum in their favor. After UNC Pembroke scored a run in the top of the first, the Trojans erupted for four runs in the bottom half of the inning. Samantha Taylor sparked the rally and later scored on an RBI single from Emma King, who continues to shine at the plate with a .509 batting average and .561 on-base percentage.
Emily Saw delivered the biggest hit of the inning, launching a three-run home run to give Mount Olive a 4-1 lead.
The Trojans extended their advantage in the fourth inning. Cadence Lane added an RBI single, followed by a two-run single from McKenzie Millard to stretch the lead to 7-1. Mount Olive added one more run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly from Taylor to cap the scoring.
Alex Steen dominated in the circle for Mount Olive, tossing a complete game while allowing just two hits and one run and striking out eight. Steen continues to be a key part of the Trojans’ pitching staff, which carries a 3.67 ERA and ranks among conference leaders in innings pitched and complete games.
Mount Olive will return to action Wednesday when they host Francis Marion at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., with game two set for 4:00 p.m.
