UMO athletics finishes among top 100 in Learfield Director's Cup

By UMO Media Relations
Published in Sports on June 7, 2015 1:52 AM

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UMO Media Relations

MOUNT OLIVE -- Bouyed by four NCAA championship appearances, University of Mount Olive finished among the nation's top 100 Division II athletic programs in the Learfield Director's Cup competition.

The Trojans ended up 93rd among 252 schools -- its highest finish since the 2007-08 season when it wound up 84th out of 231 schools. UMO won the athletic program's lone national championship -- the 2008 Division II College World Series baseball title.

UMO compiled 215.5 points, including 73 points from the men's basketball team that advanced to the Elite Eight. The baseball team qualified for its sixth consecutive Southeast Regional and collected 50 points.

Men's cross country and men's outdoor track and field also contributed to the program's nationwide success.

Men's volleyball

MOUNT OLIVE -- University of Mount Olive libero Josh Donahue emerged as the NCAA men's statistical champion as the nation's top defender with an average of 3.29 digs per set this season.

The 5-foot-10 sophmore reached double figures in 15 matches and established a new single-season record (26) in a five-set triumph over Barton. Donahue earned all-Conference Carolinas second-team accolades.

Overall, UMO finished fifth nationally as a team in digs per set.

The Trojans finished 15-11 overall and reached the semifinals of the season-ending conference tournament.

Softball

MOUNT OLIVE -- University of Mount Olive pitcher Madison Johnston and outfielder Lauren McGrath each received second-team honors on the 2015 NCCSIA College Division all-state team.

Selected the 2015 Conference Carolinas pitcher-of-the-year, Johnston recorded a 12-game win streak and logged a 15-6 record inside the circle. She ranked second in the conference in total wins and had the third-lowest 2.63 earned run average.

McGrath, who hails from Rocky Mount, batted .343 -- but hit a crisp .433 in conference play. The senior had 10 multi-hit games, including six outings with three or more hits. She tied the program's school record for doubles (3) in a mercy-rule win over Fayetteville State.

The Trojans finished 29-20 overall this season.

Men's lacrosse

MOUNT OLIVE -- University of Mount Olive is already receiving early-season attention for 2016 from Lacrosse Magazine.

The Trojans are ranked No. 11 in the Division II men's top 15.

UMO posted an 11-5 campaign this past season that included a third-place finish against Conference Carolinas opposition. The Trojans' season ended against Limestone, which eventually claimed its second consecutive national championship.

Five key Trojans return next season -- goalie Ross Bowman, attacker Brett Kingston, attacker Matt Shields, defender Luke Morris and specialist Tyler Feniello. All five earned all-conference recognition.

Mount Olive launches its 2016 season in February.

Women's lacrosse

MOUNT OLIVE -- Coming off its most-successful season in program history, the University of Mount Olive is ranked No. 9 in Lacrosse Magazine's "Early Division II top 10 poll."

The Trojans finished 15-3 last season, including a runner-up effort in Conference Carolinas play.

Five all-conference players return -- three-time all-CC pick and the program's career leading scorer Riann Daziel, who ranked 22nd nationally with 57 goals. Also back are midfielder Candace Corkin, defenders Gina Felder and Kristen McGovern, and attacker Claire Wigler.

Goalie Hannah Knight is also back.

UMO starts its 2016 season next February.