BANNER ELK – The University of Mount Olive women's soccer team saw its 2026 season come to a close Saturday afternoon, falling 1-0 to third-seeded Lees-McRae in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 Conference Carolinas Women's Soccer Championship at Tate Field.
The sixth-seeded Trojans (7-7-6) held the Bobcats (10-2-5) scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, while creating several opportunities of their own. Mount Olive recorded seven shots in the first half, including three on target, but Lees-McRae goalkeeper Laura Walker turned away each attempt to keep the match scoreless at halftime.
Mount Olive continued to pressure the Bobcats after the break, with
Emma Harnage putting a shot on target in the 57th minute before
Yaneli Sanchez tested Walker again in the 73rd minute. Walker finished with five saves to preserve the shutout.
Lees-McRae broke through in the 78th minute when Julie Eskes scored off an assist from Ezra Carpenter, giving the Bobcats a 1-0 lead. The Trojans continued to push for an equalizer but were unable to find the back of the net before the final whistle.
Mount Olive finished with an 11-7 advantage in total shots and put five attempts on target. Goalkeeper
Anais Coyne recorded one save for the Trojans, while the defense limited Lees-McRae to two shots on goal.
The loss brings the Trojans' 2026 campaign to a close following their appearance in the Conference Carolinas quarterfinals.
