MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive women's basketball team was unable to overcome an early deficit in a 63–41 loss to Conference Carolinas foe Barton on Tuesday night at Kornegay Arena.

The Trojans struggled offensively in the opening half as Barton built a 30–14 lead at the break. Mount Olive shot 20.0 percent from the field in the first two quarters while Barton capitalized on second-chance opportunities and perimeter shooting to take control early.

Jerin Truesdale led Mount Olive with a team-high 16 points and nine rebounds, providing a steady presence in the paint. Savannah McAfee added eight points and six rebounds, while Kayla Jackson chipped in seven points and three steals.

Mount Olive showed improved energy in the second half, outscoring Barton 27–33 over the final two quarters. The Trojans cut into the deficit with strong defensive stretches in the third quarter and a 16-point fourth quarter, highlighted by fast-break opportunities and improved ball movement.

Mount Olive returns to action later this week as they take on Shorter in Rome, Ga. at 2 pm on Saturday.