DUNCAN, S.C. (April 26) – Following a pair of losses on Saturday, the Trojans were eliminated from the Conference Carolinas Championship, dropping a 12-4 decision to North Greenville before suffering a 4-0 loss against Francis Marion in an elimination game.
Location: Tyger River Park I Duncan, S.C.
GAME 1
Final Score: North Greenville (34-19) 12, Mount Olive (24-26) 4 (6 Innings)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- North Greenville jumped in front in the top of the second inning with a pair of homer to left field to build a 5-0 edge. The Trojans countered in the bottom half of the frame with an RBI double to left-center by freshman Sophia Gleim, 5-1.
- The Trailblazer offense remained red-hot in the top of the third with a here-run double to take an 8-1 advantage. Mount Olive once again answered as junior Bri Verme laced a two-run single to left field to close the gap to 8-3.
- In the top of the fourth frame, NGU went yard for the third time with a solo shot to center field, but sophomore Laci Best responded with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning, 9-4.
- North Greenville ultimately secured the run-rule victory in the sixth after tallying three additional runs to go ahead 12-4.
AT THE PLATE:
IN THE CIRCLE:
- Freshman Linda Hodge suffered the loss (12-10) after surrendering five earned runs on three hits with one walk in 1.1 innings pitched.
GAME 2
Final Score: Francis Marion (45-4) 4, Mount Olive (24-27) 0
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The nationally-ranked Patriots established a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first while also capitalizing on an early error by the Trojans. Mount Olive was limited to just two hits in the initial five innings of the contest but also stranded four runners on base.
- Francis Marion add to its advantage in the bottom of the third with back-to-back RBI singles, 4-0.
- Mount Olive threaten to cut into the deficit multiple times in the final two frames, but ultimately left runners on the corners in the sixth and the bases loaded in the seventh.
AT THE PLATE:
- As a team, the Trojans were held to just five hits and stranded eight runners on base.
- Laci Best: 1-for-1, 1 2B, 2 BB
IN THE CIRCLE:
- Junior Cayden Sutton was saddled with the loss (1-4) after yielding four runs (three earned) on seven hits with two strikeouts and one walk in 2.2 innings pitched (69 pitches). Verme entered in relief and toss 3.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and two walks.
