PEMBROKE — The University of Mount Olive women's volleyball team rallied for a five-set road victory in the upset over UNC Pembroke on Tuesday night, earning a 3-2 win (18-25, 25-21, 25-12, 16-25, 15-11) at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
The Trojans improved to 10-12 overall and 6-8 in Conference Carolinas play with the victory, handing the Braves, who entered the match at 16-6 overall and 11-3 in league play, a tough home loss.
Mount Olive responded after dropping the opening set, taking the second and third sets to seize a 2-1 advantage. The Trojans dominated the third set, hitting .444 with 14 kills and just two errors while limiting UNC Pembroke to a .097 hitting percentage.
The Braves forced a deciding fifth set by taking the fourth, but Mount Olive regrouped to close out the match with a 15-11 win in the final frame.
Olivia Melvin led the Trojan attack with 21 kills on 57 attempts, adding 18 digs and three service aces for a match-high 26.5 points. Kaitlyn Koel contributed nine kills and five block assists, while Rachel Clark finished with eight kills and a .300 hitting percentage. Kaitlyn Landis added six kills, and Bayli Bryan recorded five block assists, including two solo blocks.
Lyndsay Reid directed the offense with 38 assists and added 14 digs. Kacey Gore anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 25 digs, while Marleigh Cooper contributed 13 digs. As a team, Mount Olive recorded 93 digs and 11 total blocks.
The Trojans finished with 48 kills and a .136 hitting percentage, while holding UNC Pembroke to a .128 mark. Mount Olive also recorded nine service aces in the five-set battle.
Mount Olive returns to action with its next scheduled match as the Trojans continue Conference Carolinas play hosting the Barton Bulldogs on Saturday for Senior Day at 11 a.m.
