ROME, Ga. – The University of Mount Olive women's volleyball team lost in straight sets to Conference Carolinas opponent Shorter on Saturday in the teams' first meeting of the season.

The Trojans dropped to 4-9 overall and 2-3 in league play, holding third in the East Division. Shorter improved to 5-5 overall and 4-1 in conference, moving to second in the Southwest Division.

In set one, UMO surged ahead 13-4 with a 6-0 opening run. The Hawks answered with a rally to close the gap to three. Kills by Rachel Clark and Breanna Tanton kept the Trojans in front, 18-15. Shorter edged ahead 23-22 after UMO capitalized on Hawk errors. Clark and Tanton tied the set with another kill, but Shorter sealed it with two final points for a 25-23 win.

In set two, UMO used a 5-0 run to grab a 20-19 lead. Olivia Melvin and Kaitlyn Landis added kills, while Lyndsay Reid delivered a service ace and two assists. A Shorter kill and UMO error put the Hawks up 22-21. Danielle Parker tied it 22-22, but Shorter closed with three of the last four points for another 25-23 win.

Both teams traded runs in set three. UMO led 9-6, then Shorter surged ahead 15-11 before the Trojans regained a 16-15 edge. The Hawks pulled away late for a 25-21 victory.

Landis led UMO with 10 kills, nine digs, and three aces. Reid (13) and Tanton (10) combined for 23 assists, while Caroline Sheaffer paced the defense with 12 digs.

Mount Olive continues its road trip Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against Ferrum, the newest member of Conference Carolinas.