TIGERVILLE, S.C. - The Trojans competed in the Conference Carolinas Championship Sunday afternoon. Mount Olive defeated Belmont Abbey 23-16 to claim the championship, their second championship since 2015.

GAME INFORMATION
The Crusaders' Angelina Perrone got the scoring started just over two minutes into the game, giving Belmont Abbey a 1-0 lead. Looking to pull away early, the Crusaders grabbed the momentum after their first goal and used it to score three more times, going up 4-0. Down early, Shaelyn Yermal scored to temporarily stop the bleeding, getting the Trojans on the board, and brining the score to 4-1. If a championship mentality is obtainable, the Crusaders had it in the beginning of the game. After the Trojans mark, the Crusaders added three more goals, increasing their lead to 7-1. After the 7th goal by Belmont Abbey, Jackie Kaderabek scored a minute later, making the score 7-2. Looking to change the tide of the game, the Trojans added three more goals, cutting the deceit down to just two, 7-5. After absorbing two more goals from the Crusaders, the Trojans responded strongly to end the first half, scoring three quick goals to head into halftime down one, 9-8.

Riley D'Andrea of Belmont Abbey stopped any momentum carry over for the Trojans, scoring under two minutes into the second half, putting the Crusaders back up by two, 10-8. Including D'Andrea's goal, there were five goals scored in the first six minutes, ending with the Crusaders up 12-10. The Trojans scored four unanswered goals to take the first lead of the game, 14-12, the last two goals of the run scored by Kiara Burke. The two teams then exchanged scoring opportunities, bringing the game to 16-14, Trojans. Looking to create separation for themselves, the Trojans scored four goals to create a six goal difference, 20-14. Emma Pherson scored off a free position shot to make the deficit five goals, but that's as close at the Crusaders came in the second half after the Trojans took the lead. A team that fell behind early in the game regrouped to take the final 23-16, and win the Conference Carolinas Championship.

KEY MOMENT
After trailing for the majority of the first half by at last three goals or more, the Trojans scored three times just before halftime, bringing themselves within three of the lead, 9-8. Cutting the margin for victory down to just one, gave the team hope and confidence heading into the second half. A confidence boost they rode to victory, 23-16.

TROJAN LEADERS
Emily Prentice had nine total points for the Trojans. Scoring four goals and adding five assists.

CRUSADER LEADERS
Riley D'Andrea scored five goals.

COACH HEATHER COPPOLA ON THIS YEAR'S TEAM
"I couldn't be more proud of the fight this team had. Everyone doubted our abilities coming into the season but we knew what a special group we had."