WINGATE, N.C. (Aug. 27) – The Trojans were unable to erase a two-goal deficit early in the second half on Saturday night in a 3-1 loss against Wingate in non-conference action.

With the loss, the University of Mount Olive women's soccer program drops to 0-2 this season after playing a pair of non-conference matches. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs improve to 2-0 overall after being selected fourth in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) preseason poll.

Wingate controlled possession in the initial five minutes of the contest and totaled two shots, including one on goal. UMO countered and pressured the net with five shots and two corners, but were unable to score. The Bulldogs grabbed the early lead 1-0 on a through ball to junior Nicole Christy assisted by classmate Katrine Thisgaard at the 15:25-mark. Mount Olive answered in the 23rd minute with a goal by sophomore Emily Hein, her first of the season, after receiving the pass from teammate Delia Allwood, 1-1. Wingate attempted to reclaim the lead with three shots over a 10-minute stretch before scoring a goal from freshman Madison Setzer in the 35th minute, 2-1.

In the second half, the Bulldogs pounced early to increase the advantage to 3-1 on a header by junior Yasmen Cowley at the 48:34-mark. Wingate nearly stretch the lead in the 59th minute before the UMO defense cleared the line with a team save to keep it a two-goal deficit. The Trojans were limited to only one shot in the half as Wingate secured the win on Saturday.

Senior Nicole Solicito posted a season-high seven saves and faced 19 shots in the match while playing all 90 minutes.

Wingate finished the contest with a 19-9 shot advantage, including 12 shots in the first half, and held a 3-2 edge in corner kicks.

The Trojans return to action on Wednesday, Aug. 31, when they travel to face Lincoln Memorial in a neutral site contest in Greensboro, North Carolina.