DUNCAN, S.C. (April 26) – Following a pair of losses on Friday, the Trojans were eliminated from the Conference Carolinas Championship, dropping a 12-4 decision to North Greenville before suffering an 8-0 loss against Emmanuel in an elimination game.
With the losses, the University of Mount Olive softball program finished the season with a 36-16 overall record under the leadership of interim head coach Luke Shamblin. The Trojans ranked among the top 10 in NCAA Division II in home runs, scoring, slugging percentage, and total runs. The Trojans made a 13-win improvement this season and eclipsed 35 wins for just the fourth time since 2000. Additionally, senior Cana Shrock was named to the all-tournament team following her play at the championship site.
Against North Greenville, the Trojans fell behind early following four runs in the bottom of the second before the Crusaders added to the lead with six runs on four hits in the third, highlighted by a grand slam, 10-0. UMO responded in the top of the fourth with a two-run single by junior Alyssa Smothers, but NGU countered with a solo homer to center field in the bottom half of the frame, 11-2.
In the top of the fifth, Shrock blasted a two-run homer to center field to cut the deficit to 11-4 before the Crusaders sealed the run-rule win in the sixth with an RBI double to right-center, 12-4.
Senior Courtlynn Cooney finished 2-for-3 at the plate while Smothers and Shrock each recorded two RBI.
Senior Hannah Killough suffered the loss (11-9) after surrendering six earned runs on five hits with three strikeouts and three walks in 4.0 innings.
Against Emmanuel, UMO allowed one run in the top of the first inning following an RBI double to left field, 1-0. After two scoreless frames, the Lions added to the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth before launching a three-run homer to right field in the top of the fifth, 6-0. In the seventh, Emmanuel scored two additional runs to collect the 8-0 win.
Junior Callie Thorton was saddled with the loss (18-3) after yielding seven runs (six earned) on nine hits with one strikeout and two walks in 6.0 innings pitched (104 pitches).
