University of Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE  — The University of Mount Olive women's soccer team opened the 2026 Conference Carolinas Women's Soccer Championship with a 2-0 victory over No. 11 seed Chowan on Wednesday night at Amon Field. The No. 6 seed Trojans secured their first postseason win since 2023 to advance in the conference tournament.

Mount Olive controlled the pace throughout the contest, outshooting the Hawks 25-5 while placing eight shots on target. The Trojans also held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks and limited Chowan to just two shots on goal.

The Trojans broke through in the 42nd minute when Ana Caldentey scored an unassisted goal on a free kick opportunity to give Mount Olive a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The goal marked Caldentey's first of the season.

Mount Olive continued its offensive pressure in the second half, doubling its advantage in the 54th minute. Yaneli Sanchez placed a perfect ball that assisted Malia Acevedo, who finished the opportunity for her fourth goal of the season to put the Trojans ahead 2-0.

Defensively, goalkeeper Anais Coyne recorded two saves to secure the shutout, helping Mount Olive close out the postseason victory.

The win marked Mount Olive's first Conference Carolinas Women's Soccer Championship victory since Nov. 1, 2023, when the Trojans defeated Lees-McRae 1-0 at home.

Mount Olive improves to 7-6-6 overall and advances to face no. 3 Lees-McRae in the next round of the 2026 Conference Carolinas Women's Soccer Championship. The Trojans will travel to Banner Elk on Saturday, Oct. 31, for a 3 p.m. kickoff against the Bobcats.