AIKEN, S.C. – The University of Mount Olive softball team split an out-of-conference doubleheader against USC Aiken on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-0 in the opener before rebounding with a 4-2 victory in game two.
Both teams traded scoreless frames through the first three innings of game one as Trojan starter
Hailey King and the Pacers' pitching staff controlled the early momentum. USC Aiken threatened in the bottom of the third with a two-out triple, but Mount Olive worked out of the jam to keep the contest scoreless.
The Pacers broke through in the fourth inning, stringing together three hits, including a pair of RBI doubles, before adding a two-run home run to push the lead to 4-0.
Mount Olive's offense came alive in the sixth inning when Emily King delivered an infield single and later moved into scoring position, but USC Aiken preserved the shutout to take game one.
Hailey King suffered the loss after allowing three runs on three hits with six strikeouts across 3.1 innings.
Hailey King provided effective relief, surrendering one run on two hits while striking out two over 2.2 innings.
Mount Olive responded in the second game of the evening, outscoring the Pacers 4-2.
USC Aiken opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning, plating an unearned run following a Trojan throwing error. Mount Olive answered in the third frame after capitalizing on a Pacers defensive miscue. Emily King singled to left field before
Samantha Taylor delivered a two-run double to left-center, giving the Trojans a 2-1 advantage.
The Pacers tied the contest in the fourth inning with an RBI single, but Mount Olive quickly regained control in the fifth. Taylor sparked the offense with a solo home run to center field before
Brittany Stephens followed with another homer to left field, extending the Trojan lead to 4-2. Mount Olive maintained the advantage behind strong pitching from
Emma Myatt, retiring nine of the final ten batters to seal the victory. Myatt allowed two runs with one earned on six hits while striking out two across seven innings.
The Trojans look to return with momentum on Sunday against NFCA 19th-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne with the double-header starting at 1 PM.