PEMBROKE, NC — The University of Mount Olive Trojans lost both games of a Conference Carolinas doubleheader Saturday at UNC Pembroke, falling 4-0 in the opener and 6-4 in game two at Braves Field.
Mount Olive created early scoring opportunities but couldn't capitalize. Meanwhile, UNC Pembroke took advantage in the third inning as Samantha Taylor led off with a single, advancing to second on McKenzie Millard's sacrifice bunt. Emma King then singled to put runners at the corners with one out, but a strikeout and groundout ended the threat.
Following strong defense from both teams, UNC Pembroke broke through in the third. After a walk and a single, a dropped fly ball loaded the bases. A fielder's choice erased the runner at the plate, but Maddie Gerovac's RBI single broke the tie. A hit batter forced in another run, and a sacrifice fly extended the lead to 3-0.
UNC Pembroke added a fourth run in the fourth. After Emma Wrenn singled and scored on Alex Serbio's RBI single, Mount Olive threatened in the next frame. King singled and a throwing error allowed Verme on; they loaded the bases with two outs, but a groundout ended the inning.
King led Mount Olive with two hits. Taylor and Verme added hits. Emma Myatt took the loss, allowing four runs (one earned) in four innings. Verme pitched two scoreless innings and gave up two hits.
Mount Olive responded with an early surge in the second game. In the third inning, they erupted for four runs. Kaylee Cox started with a double to left and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kynley Brewer. Taylor then drove in the first run with an RBI double to left center. Millard singled and stole second, putting two in scoring position before Elizabeth Thome's groundout drove in another run. Finally, King capped the inning with a two-run home run to center, giving the Trojans a 4-0 lead.
Mount Olive's pitching held UNC Pembroke early, with Alex Steen escaping trouble to protect the lead. However, the Braves scored in the fifth on a fielder's choice and an error, cutting the margin to 4-1.
UNC Pembroke surged in the sixth. After a single and a walk, Alex Serbio hit a two-run triple to tie it. A wild pitch then scored Serbio, putting the Braves ahead 5-4. They extended their lead on Thome's fielder's choice and held Mount Olive scoreless to secure the sweep.
King paced Mount Olive with three hits and two RBIs, including a home run. Taylor added an RBI double. Cox and Thome contributed hits.
Steen pitched 4.2 innings and allowed three runs with four strikeouts. Linda Hodge took the loss, giving up three runs in relief. Hailey King finished the game for Mount Olive.
The Trojans return home Monday against Millersville, with games scheduled for 1:00 and 3:00 PM.