MOUNT OLIVE – Despite a rally in the fifth inning, the UNCP softball team was overcome by Mount Olive with two early runs in game two to post a 2-1 final score on Tuesday evening at Nancy Chapman Cassel Field.

Kaytee Wilson, Karlee Wilson and Taylor Cloninger were the only athletes to tally hits for UNCP (0-5), while Karlee Wilson was the lone Lady Brave to round the bases. Rebekah McDaniel led Mount Olive (2-0) with two hits and two RBI, while three others collected one run each.

Defense was the name of the game as pitching and fielding controlled the pace for seven innings. Starr Gilley (0-2) pitched for three innings for the Black and Gold before being relieved by Natalie Klemann for the final three innings. Gilley allowed five hits, two earned runs and struck out two, while Klemann faced 10 batters and sent five back to the dugout after being struck out. Lauren Smith (1-0) pitched a complete game for the Lady Trojans including three hits, one unearned run and a game-high 12 strike outs.

Elizabeth Overman reached on a fielder's choice and was brought home to score the opening run for Mount Olive on a base hit by McDaniel in the first inning. Katie Moore singled to left field in the third and rounded the bases on another base hit by McDaniel. UNCP's efforts were halted as the Lady Braves did not reach first until Kristen Hobbs was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning. 

Karlee Wilson singled on a bunt to reach first and crossed home plate on an error by the left fielder to collect UNCP's only run. UNCP attempted to score again in the sixth inning, but left Kaytee Wilson on third base as six batters faced Smith in the inning.

The Lady Braves will continue action on the road on Sunday against Catawba (4-0) in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at Frock Athletic Complex.