MOUNT OLIVE, N.C.-- The University of Mount Olive defeated the Bulldogs of Barton College 3-2 in Conference Carolinas action on Wednesday. This win takes the Trojans to 14-13 overall and 9-8 in conference and secured UMO the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament.
1st Set
UMO had a strong start jumping out in front of the Bulldogs 5-2 with a kill from Eziakonwa and Ashlyn Stone. Barton pulled back to be within one of UMO after a four-point run 8-9. The Conference Carolinas teams went point for point until UMO took control, winning 25-23.
2nd Set
Mount Olive started slowly as they went down 3-1. Later, the Trojans took a four-point run and took the lead 10-8. The two teams were back and forth, but not until the Trojan offense took over and won set two 27-25.
3rd Set
Starting set three, UMO fell 8-1. With all of the momentum, the Bulldogs remained in control for the rest of the set, winning 25-12.
4th Set
UMO opened up set four up with a three-point run 6-3. Mount Olive took a crucial five-point run to pull away from Barton 13-5. The fighting Bulldogs pushed back and took the lead 21-19 off of multiple Trojan errors. Barton remained in control as they took set four 25-22.
5th Set
A slow Mount Olive start brought the Bulldogs up 7-4. The dominating Trojan offense fought back and tied the Set at 11. UMO took a crucial four-point run at the end of set five winning the set and the match 15-13.
Coaches Comments
"Snuck one out tonight. Things were just a bit off tonight, but it was huge to pull it off and host this Saturday! Fans were awesome tonight and hope we can draw the same support Saturday at 4:30," said Head Coach Emma Celentano.
MOUNT OLIVE LEADERS
Amara Eziakonwa led the Trojans with 18 kills.
Madison Goodman had 27 assists and Morgan Prots had 32 digs.
BULLDOGS LEADER
Sarah Kirk led the Bulldogs with 56 assists.
UP NEXT
The Trojans stay at home as they host the first round of the Conference Carolinas Tournament at 2:00PM on November 13th. UMO will take on the winner of Belmont Abbey and Barton at 4:30PM.
