MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive women's basketball team was defeated 66-48 by Chowan on Wednesday night at Kornegay Arena.

The Trojans stayed within striking distance early, trailing 15-11 after the first quarter and cutting the deficit to three points late in the second before heading into halftime down 27-24. The Hawks gained separation in the third quarter, outscoring Mount Olive 20-10 to take control of the contest.

Jerin Truesdale led Mount Olive with 16 points, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, while adding four rebounds and a team-high hour assists. Savannah McAfee followed with 14 points, connecting on a pair of three-pointers, and Kayla Jackson contributed nine points from the perimeter.

Mount Olive finished with 35 rebounds, led by McAfee's nine, and recorded 10 assists on the night. The Trojans forced 18 Chowan turnovers, but were outscored in the paint 26-18.

The Trojans will look to bounce back as they continue Conference Carolinas play later this week as they play host to Converse on Saturday at 4 p.m. on Church Night.