DUNCAN, S.C. — The University of Mount Olive softball team continued its impressive postseason run with a 5-3 victory over Southern Wesleyan in its third game of the Conference Carolinas Tournament, showcasing resilience and timely hitting in a high-stakes matchup.
Riding the momentum of a single-elimination win and an upset over No. 2 seed Young Harris, the Trojans once again delivered under pressure to remain firmly in contention for the conference title. The win also provides Mount Olive with valuable rest ahead of its next challenge against top-seeded Francis Marion.
Mount Olive wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, taking advantage of patience at the plate in the first inning. After loading the bases with three walks, Samantha Taylor crossed home on a passed ball to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead.
Southern Wesleyan answered in the second inning, stringing together a pair of hits capped by an RBI single from Abby Lawson to take a 2-1 advantage. However, the Trojans quickly regained control in the third. With two runners on, Emma King delivered a clutch double to left field, driving in both runners to put Mount Olive back on top, 3-2.
The Trojans extended their lead in the fourth inning. Following a leadoff single and a sacrifice bunt, Kynley Brewer came through with an RBI double down the left field line to make it 4-2.
Mount Olive added an insurance run in the sixth inning when Samantha Taylor and Brewer each singled to set up another key hit from King, who brought Taylor home with an RBI single to stretch the lead to 5-2.
Southern Wesleyan made a late push, scoring in the sixth on an RBI double by Rebecca Lamb and threatening again in the final inning. But Mount Olive’s pitching and defense held strong, shutting the door on any comeback attempt.
Emma King led the Trojans offensively with three RBIs on a double and a single. Brewer added multiple hits and an RBI, while Taylor reached base and scored twice to ignite the lineup.
With the victory, Mount Olive advances to face No. 1 seed Francis Marion at 10 a.m., carrying both momentum and a bit of rest into a crucial matchup as the Trojans continue their pursuit of a Conference Carolinas championship.
