DUNCAN, S.C. (April 25) – Behind five multi-hit performances, the University of Mount Olive softball program overcame an early deficit to collect a 10-4 victory over Belmont Abbey on the opening day of the Conference Carolinas Championship on Thursday.
With the win, the Trojans improve to 36-14 this season and advance to face North Greenville, tomorrow, Friday, April 26 at noon. The two sides met earlier this month with the series ending in a split in Tigerville. Meanwhile, the Crusaders drop to 22-19 overall while posting a 1-1 record on the opening day after defeating No. 6 Lees-McRae in the single elimination play-in.
In the top of the first inning, Belmont Abbey established an early 3-0 edge after launching a three-run homer to right-center. The Trojans got a run back in the bottom of the second following an RBI single to left-center by sophomore Emily Cassidy, 3-1. In the bottom of the third, Mount Olive totaled four runs on four hits behind a two-run double to left-center from freshman Laci Best and a two-run single by senior Lark Collins, 5-3.
After a scoreless fourth frame, the Crusaders tallied a run in the fifth on a fielding error to close the gap to 5-4. In the bottom half of the inning, senior Cana Shrock belted a three-run homer to right-center, her 14th of the season, to stretch the lead to 8-4. The Trojans registered two more runs in the sixth following an RBI double from senior Kylie Emanuele and an RBI single by Collins, 10-4.
Junior Callie Thornton improved to 17-3 in the circle after yielding four runs (two earned) on five hits with seven strikeouts and one walk in 6.0 innings pitched (118 pitches). Senior Hannah Killough closed out the final frame with one hit allowed and one strikeout.
Collins finished 2-for-3 at the plate with three runs batted in while Best went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored. Seniors Courtlynn Cooney and Emma Mooney each tallied two hits while Emanuele finished 2-for-3 with one RBI, one walk, and three runs scored.
The Trojans return to the field on Friday, April 26, to face North Greenville in the Conference Carolinas Tournament at noon.
