WILSON N.C. (April 21) - The University of Mount Olive men's lacrosse team falls to the Barton Bulldogs 16-12 in the Conference Carolinas play-in game for the 2026 championships. 

The Trojans scored three goals each quarter unable to outscore to the Bulldogs even though they out shot their opponent 50-33 (29-21 being on goal). UMO was able to win 17 of the 32 face offs, successfully cleared 12 of their 14 clear attempts, and caused one more over than Barton. 

Joshua Dewart scored four goals with one assist and one ground ball, while freshman Julian Amick scored two goals with four ground balls and caused one turnover. Six Trojans each had one goal, Tyler Micheal, Benjamin Vanderkley, Mikey Stavrianakis, Trent Steele, Jacob Driver, and Brayden Rieger. Vanderkley dished out two assists while Steele had one with five ground balls and two caused turnovers. Nicolas Louge collected seven ground balls, winning 15 of his 28 face offs. Davis Androes captured six ground balls while playing defense. 

Mount Olive claimed their first, second, and third goal back to back in the first quarter after letting six goals score in a row for the Bulldogs. Dewart scored the first and second goals of the game, with a goal by Micheal to complete the third goal. It was not until the fourth quarter where the Trojans were able to outscore Barton three to one.

Goalkeeper Kurtis Lensing saved five shots to complete his day in the goal.

This was the final game for the Trojans however make sure to look out for awards being announce by the conference tomorrow at 2 p.m.