Mount Olive split its doubleheader with UNC Pembroke, dropping a 3-1 decision in game one before responding with a convincing 8-1 win in game two, moving them to
In the opener, the Trojans and UNC Pembroke engaged in a tight pitcher's duel. The pivotal moment came in the first inning when UNC Pembroke drew three walks and brought in a run with a sacrifice fly. Mount Olive responded immediately in the second: Elizabeth Thome's triple set up the tying run, as she scored on Madelyn Sutton's sacrifice fly, knotting the game at 1-1.
The game remained close as both teams posted scoreless innings, highlighted by strong pitching on both sides. Hailey King delivered a solid complete game, allowing just three hits and striking out four. Samantha Taylor paced the offense with two doubles, continuing her excellent season at the plate, where she ranks among the conference leaders in home runs (10) and RBIs (35).
However, momentum shifted in the sixth inning when UNC Pembroke broke through with a two-run home run, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the 3-1 final.
In the second game, Mount Olive quickly flipped the script with an explosive response. After UNC Pembroke plated a run at the top of the first, the Trojans erupted for four runs in the bottom half. Samantha Taylor ignited the inning and later scored on an RBI single from Emma King, who has been one of the nation's most consistent hitters this season with a .509 batting average and .561 on-base percentage.
The big blow came off the bat of Emily Saw, who launched a three-run home run to give the Trojans a 4-1 advantage.
Continuing their offensive surge, Mount Olive built on its lead in the fourth inning. This frame was highlighted by an RBI single from Cadence Lane and a two-run single by McKenzie Millard, extending the lead to 7-1. The Trojans added another run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly from Taylor, maintaining their offensive momentum.
On the mound, Alex Steen dominated with a complete game, allowing two hits and one run while striking out eight. Steen has been a key pitcher, ranking among conference leaders in innings pitched and complete games, helping anchor a staff with a 3.67 ERA.
With the split, the Trojans are now 21-17 overall and 11-7 in conference. They play Francis Marion next at home on Wednesday, with games at 2:00 and 4:00 at Nancy Chapman Cassell Field.