CENTRAL, S.C. – The University of Mount Olive women's basketball team used a dominant middle stretch to secure a 77–66 road victory over Southern Wesleyan on Friday afternoon at Tysinger Gymnasium.

Mount Olive shot an efficient 51.7 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range, building a lead that reached as many as 24 points in the third quarter. The Trojans led for nearly the entire contest, holding Southern Wesleyan scoreless from the lead column after the opening tip.

Kayla Jackson paced the Trojans with a game-high 23 points on an impressive 10-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Jerin Truesdale followed with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Jada Priebe added 14 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Jayla Hicks chipped in 10 points, giving Mount Olive four players in double figures.

Mount Olive set the tone early, shooting 66.7 percent in the opening quarter to take a 24–23 lead after one. The Trojans then took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Warriors 21–9 behind strong defensive pressure and transition scoring to head into halftime with a 45–32 advantage.

The Trojans continued to build momentum in the third quarter, knocking down four three-pointers and forcing turnovers to extend the lead to 61–39 late in the period. Mount Olive held Southern Wesleyan to just nine points in both the second and third quarters.

Southern Wesleyan made a push in the fourth, scoring 25 points, but Mount Olive remained composed at the free-throw line and on the defensive end to close out the win.

With the victory, Mount Olive improves to 6–11 overall and 3–8 in Conference Carolinas play. The Trojans will look to build on the win as conference action continues hosting Francis Marion on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Kornegay Arena.