Nationally-ranked Trojans defeat Belmont Abbey

MOUNT OLIVE – Featuring three different goal scorers, No. 10 Mount Olive earned a 3-0 shutout against Belmont Abbey in South Atlantic Conference (SAC) action on Oct. 26 at the Ray McDonald Sr. Sports Complex.

With the win, the Trojans improved to 10-2 in division play and 10-0 in league play. UMO has now registered 10 straight wins and swept the season series versus Belmont Abbey, winning all three matches this year. Meanwhile, the Crusaders dropped to 6-6 overall and 5-3 mark in conference action.

Just 31 seconds into the contest, UMO took control of the game after sophomore Morgan Paterson raced toward the Crusader cage as she was able to move through their defense. As she neared the end line, Paterson found sophomore Amber Dercksen in front to score the first goal of the match. The Trojans worked well together to hold a 6-0 shot advantage over Belmont Abbey following the first quarter. At the 17:51 mark, freshman Nikki Bos took a shot toward the cage when senior Railyn King redirected the ball past the keeper to extend the lead to 2-0.

At the start of the second half, UMO pressed the Crusaders heavily as they were able to get three shots within the opening six minutes of the quarter. After an attempt taken by junior Alisia Lovejoy was saved in front of the net,  sophomore Sophia Frugoni took advantage of the rebound and scored at the 42:30-mark of the match to put Mount Olive ahead 3-0.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alanna Barrett earned the shutout, her second of the season, after collecting one save on four shots faced. Mount Olive held a 15-4 shot advantage over Belmont Abbey, including an 11-1 lead in shots on goal. The Trojans also posted a 7-3 edge in penalty corners.

— From University of Mount Olive Athletics