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March 29, 2024 3:21 am

Trojans reach milestone in win over Lees-McRae

MOUNT OLIVE – The Trojans reached the 20-win mark for the first time since 2005 on Oct. 28 following a 3-0 sweep over Lees-McRae on Senior Day at Kornegay Arena in Conference Carolinas play by scores of 25-21, 25-21, 25-19.

With the win, the University of Mount Olive women’s volleyball team stretched its winning streak to eight and improved to 20-8 this season with a 13-2 record in league action. UMO acheived 20 wins for the first time since the 2005 program registered a 28-8 record. Meanwhile, the Bobcats fell to 7-21 overall behind a 6-11 mark in conference play.

Senior Starr Sergent tied for the team-lead with seven kills, while teammate Ele’sia Williams also registered seven kills with two blocks. Senior Amara Eziakonwa finished with six kills with three service aces and two blocks. Senior Jenna Myer had 16 assists and senior Madison Goodman had 13.

Sophomore Morgan Prots led the defensive efforts with 13 digs, while Sergent tallied six. Freshman Caroline Sheaffer notched five digs and four service aces on Friday.

In the first set, the Trojans had 14 kills. UMO built an early 11-6 lead after registering three straight points before Lees-McRae posted back-to-back points. Mount Olive continued to hold at least a two-point advantage until the Bobcats tied the contest at 20. The Trojans finished the opening set with a 5-1 rally behind kills from four different players to take it 25-21.

Mount Olive raced out to an 11-4 lead in the second set following a pair of kills and three aces from Eziakonwa. Lees-McRae countered by scoring five of the next seven points before UMO tallied consecutive points to lead 15-9. The Bobcats tied the match at 15 after six straight points before Mount Olive regained the lead with a 4-1 run. Both teams exchanged the next six points before Lees-McRae closed the gap to 22-21. The Trojans claim the second set after three-unanswered points, including two kills from Williams, 25-21.

UMO completed the 3-0 sweep in the third after the set featured 11 ties and four lead changes. The match was tied at 12 before the Trojans took a 23-17 lead. Lees-McRae answered with back-to-back points before Mount Olive sealed the victory with a 25-19 third set win.

— From University of Mount Olive Athletics