DUNCAN, SC – In a thrilling showdown during their postseason journey, the UMO softball team delivered a composed and clutch performance, storming past Southern Wesleyan, 5-3, in their third game of the Conference Carolinas Tournament.
Coming off a grueling stretch that included a single-elimination win followed by an upset over No. 2 seed Young Harris, the Trojans continued their momentum with another clutch victory. This latest win not only keeps Mount Olive firmly in contention but also gives them valuable rest as they prepare to face top-seeded Francis Marion in the next round.
Mount Olive struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate. Building off their early success, after loading the bases with three walks,
Samantha Taylor came home on a passed ball to give the Trojans an early 1-0 advantage.
Southern Wesleyan answered in the second inning, using a pair of hits and a key RBI single from Abby Lawson to take a 2-1 lead. Yet, Mount Olive quickly responded in the third. With two runners on,
Emma King delivered the biggest swing of the game, roping a double to left field that drove in both runs and put the Trojans back in front, 3-2.
The Trojans continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Following their regained lead, and after a leadoff single and a sacrifice bunt,
Kynley Brewer came through with an RBI double down the left field line to extend the lead to 4-2.
Mount Olive added an insurance run in the sixth inning. As the game progressed,
Samantha Taylor and
Kynley Brewer each singled to set the table, and
Emma King once again delivered, bringing home Taylor with an RBI single to push the lead to 5-2.
Southern Wesleyan threatened late, scoring once in the sixth on an RBI double from Rebecca Lamb, but Mount Olive's pitching and defense held steady down the stretch. In the final inning, despite the Warriors putting runners on, they were unable to complete the comeback.
Emma King led the offensive effort with an outstanding performance, driving in three runs on a double and a single.
Kynley Brewer also contributed multiple hits, including a key RBI double, while
Samantha Taylor reached base and scored twice to spark the lineup.
With the win, Mount Olive advances to face the No. 1 seed, Francis Marion at 10:00 AM. Carrying both momentum and the added benefit of rest into a key matchup, the Trojans continue their chase of a Conference Carolinas championship.
