Mount Olive guard Jasmine McDonald recorded a season-high 15 rebounds to go along with 10 points, but the Trojans could not overcome poor shooting in a 73-51 Conference Carolinas women's basketball setback at nationally 10th-ranked Limestone Saturday night in Gaffney, S.C.
The Trojans (15-9 overall, 11-9 CC) stayed within arm's length of the host Saints (22-2, 19-1) throughout the first half, but 24-percent shooting and nine turnovers allowed Limestone to take a 30-18 lead at intermission.
The Trojans' shooting and ball-handling improved in the second half, but the Saints made 11-of-22 from behind the three-point line to pull away.
Limestone built a double-figure lead late in the first half. Kirksten Mitchell's free throw with 5:48 left pulled Mount Olive within 18-12. The Saints responded with a 12-6 run to end the half. A 13-8 run to start the second half ended the Trojans' hopes for an upset.
Tamara Nesmith and Mitchell led the Trojans with 13 points apiece. The pair accounted for all of the team's three three-pointers. Alyssa Luebs finished with eight points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots. As a team, Mount Olive out-rebounded Limestone 49-42, including 17 offensive boards.
Mount Olive returns home for Senior Night Tuesday against Pfeiffer beginning at 5:30 p.m. Seniors Alyssa Luebs, Kirstin Mobley and Tamara Nesmith will be recognized during intermission between the women's and men's games.