UNC softball wins both games of Sunday doubleheader

The North Carolina softball team defeated the Marshall, 8-3, and the Hampton, 8-2 in a doubleheader on Sunday.

What happened?

The Tar Heels (11-4) had a quick start during their game against Marshall (9-5). After the Thundering Herd was scoreless during the first inning, junior Taylor Wike was second to bat and hit a solo home run.

Although the second inning was scoreless for both teams, the third inning went in North Carolina’s favor. Sophomore Leah Murray scored off a Marshall throwing error, leaving the score 2-0 as they headed into the fourth.

Sophomore Katie Baliff opened the fourth inning with a home run to center. UNC continued to hold the momentum, as first-year Brittany Pickett doubled to right field. However, it wasn’t able to capitalize on this hit, quickly grounding out to end the inning.

Marshall senior Morgan Zerkle hit a two-run home run in the top of the fifth, closing the score to 3-2. In the bottom of the inning, Wike hit her second home run of the day, this time a two-run shot.

Senior Kendra Lynch continued the momentum for the Tar Heels, hitting a two-run home run of her own, pushing the score to 7-2 in the bottom of the fifth. Baliff then hit her second home run of the game, giving UNC a six-run lead.

UNC’s game against Hampton (2-10) featured a slow beginning to the game for both teams. The Tar Heels didn’t start picking it up until the second inning, as Lynch hit her second home run of the day.

During the bottom of the third, UNC tacked on three more runs to extend the lead to 4-0.

The Pirates started to make a comeback during the fourth inning, scoring two runs and cutting UNC’s lead in half. But Murray added another run for the Tar Heels during the bottom of the fifth, pushing their lead to 5-2.

The Tar Heels never looked back.

Who stood out?

Murray proved to be a crucial part of the Tar Heels’ offense. Despite being 6-feet tall, she was light on her toes, allowing her to quickly steal bases while the Herd experienced communication errors between throws. Her stealth continued to help UNC during their win against the Pirates.

Wike, Baliff and Lynch both stood out during the doubleheader as they all hit two home runs each throughout the course of the day.

When was it decided?

During their game against Marshall, the Tar Heels' decisive moment was during the bottom of the fifth. Although they had scored during the first, third, and fourth innings, the Tar Heels hit three home runs to put the game out of reach.

The third and sixth innings were crucial for North Carolina during its game against Hampton. They scored three runs in each inning, and this ultimately made the win unattainable for the Pirates.

Why does it matter?

As UNC prepares to start conference play in a week, this showcase showed the strength, determination, and athletic ability of the team as they have rallied back from a 0-3 start to the season.

Where do they play next?

That Tar Heels will head to Greenville, N.C. on March 1 to play East Carolina at 5 p.m.

@mwc13_3

sports@dailytarheel.com