MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The University of Mount Olive softball team split a Wednesday doubleheader against Augusta University at Cassell Field, winning Game 1, 4–3, before falling 5–3 in Game 2.
With the split, Mount Olive moves to 22–22 on the season, while Augusta improves to 19–20.
Game 1: Verme’s Clutch Hit, Complete Game Lead Trojans to Win
Mount Olive secured a hard-fought 4–3 victory in the opener behind a clutch fifth-inning rally and a complete-game performance from Brianna Verme.
The Trojans threatened early in the first inning when Kynley Brewer reached on an error and Emma King — recently named to the National Player of the Year Watchlist — singled to right field. However, Augusta escaped the inning without damage.
Augusta struck first with a solo home run in the second inning and added another run to take a 2–0 lead. Mount Olive answered in the third when McKenzie Millard singled, advanced on Brewer’s sacrifice bunt, and scored on King’s RBI single to cut the deficit to 2–1.
The game shifted in the fifth inning when Samantha Taylor and Millard drew back-to-back walks, followed by King loading the bases with a single. With two outs, Verme delivered the biggest hit of the game, driving a bases-clearing double to right field to give Mount Olive a 4–2 lead.
Verme remained strong in the circle, pitching a complete game while allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and striking out six batters.
Augusta threatened in the seventh with a leadoff double and later scored on a throwing error to cut the lead to 4–3. Verme then retired the final batter to secure the victory.
Game 2: Augusta Uses Sixth-Inning Rally to Earn Split
In Game 2, Augusta used a five-run sixth inning to erase Mount Olive’s lead and claim a 5–3 win.
Early scoring opportunities went unconverted for both teams. Taylor singled and stole second and third, while King walked and stole second, but neither team was able to score.
Mount Olive broke through in the fourth when Verme singled, advanced on a groundout, and scored from second on a throwing error after Thome put the ball in play, giving the Trojans a 1–0 lead.
The Trojans extended their advantage in the fifth. Brewer singled, King tripled to drive in a run, and King later scored on a passed ball to give Mount Olive a 3–0 lead.
Augusta’s rally began in the sixth with a walk, followed by a bunt single and multiple defensive miscues. Timely hitting and errors helped Augusta score five runs and take a 5–3 lead.
Mount Olive attempted a late rally when Thome drew a walk in the sixth, but Augusta held on to secure the split.
Emma Myatt started in the circle for Mount Olive, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits. Linda Hodge entered in relief and recorded the final four outs to keep the Trojans within striking distance.
Mount Olive will close out its busy week with another doubleheader against King University on Friday at Cassell Field, with first pitch scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
