Three straight bases-loaded runs batted in keyed a four-run third inning and Beth Overman's two-run single highlighted a five-run fifth inning as University of Mount Olive salvaged a split with a 9-2 victory over Limestone in game two of a Conference Carolinas softball doubleheader Monday at Gaffney, S.C. Madison Johnston scattered seven hits for the complete game win.

The Trojans fell to the Saints 3-0 in game one, despite Carly White and Johnston combining on a six-hitter. Limestone scored single runs in the second, third and fourth innings.

Mount Olive (14-22 overall, 2-4 Conference Carolinas) allowed a run in the bottom of the second, but Johnston (7-7) prevented further damage with an inning-ending strikeout with the bases loaded. Johnston struck out three and walked one.

Savannah Becker and Kelsey Akers reached on infield singles to open the top of the third and both runners advanced on Ashleigh Mason's sacrifice. Akers, who doubled to lead off the opener, extended her hitting streak to 10.

After Overman walked to load the bases, Katie Moore drew a walk to bring Becker in with the tying run. Caitlin Ewers followed with a single to right to drive in Akers and put Mount Olive ahead to stay. Kalie Smith, who ranks eighth in the nation in most times hit by a pitch, was plunked for the 15th time this season as Overman scored. After a force out at the plate for the second out of the inning, an error brought home another run and the Trojans led 4-1.

The Trojans broke the game open in the fifth as Ewers' one-out single and Smith's double triggered the scoring outburst. Erin Brogan's fielder's choice sandwiched in between rbi-singles by Jennifer Jones and Akers extended Mount Olive's lead to 7-1. The Trojans loaded the bases and Overman's single to center brought in the final two runs of the inning.

Limestone (21-15, 6-4) added a run in the bottom of the fifth.

Ewers went 3-for-3 for the Trojans, while Jones had her third consecutive two-hit game.

In the opener, Mount Olive had a runner on base in every inning except for the third, but the Trojans could not push a run across the plate. The Trojans' best opportunity came in the top of the second when Ewers singled, pinch-runner Megan Ready stole second and went to third on Jones' ground ball through the right side. But Limestone right fielder Alycia Stiles' throw turned a single into a 9-3 groundout and the Saints got out of the inning unscathed. Only one Trojan runner made it past first base the remainder of the game.

Mount Olive is idle until this weekend when the Trojans head west for a pair of Conference Carolinas doubleheaders. The Trojans go to Banner Elk, N.C., Saturday to face Lees-McRae, then go to Bristol, Tenn., Sunday to take on King.