Two big hits helped the North Carolina softball team get out to an early lead against Elon, allowing for preparation for ACC play and giving reserves deserved playing time in a 6-0 win Wednesday night.
Senior Constance Orr only batted twice Wednesday night against the Elon Phoenix, but that was all she needed.
Orr said she worked on her patience and confidence at the plate in anticipation of a string of upcoming ACC series.
“We’re just using this midweek game as confidence going into the next ACC series,” Orr said. “I was just trying to relax and see good pitches.”
In the bottom of the first inning, Orr hit a home run that flew over the left field fence and into the trees behind Anderson Stadium, driving in teammates Elisha Elliott and Haleigh Dickey.
Orr batted again in the bottom of the third following sophomore Amber Parrish, who knocked out the team’s second home run, bringing the score to 5-0. The ball beat Orr to first base, but the Tar Heels had already done their damage.
The Phoenix attempted to rally from the initial three-run deficit, but UNC pitcher Lori Spingola was on the mound and made sure that comeback never happened.
Spingola recorded 11 strikeouts before junior Sara Buchholz relieved her in the seventh inning. Wednesday night’s game marked the sixth time this season Spingola has struck out 10 or more batters, but after the game she said she cared more about her pitch selection than her stat line.
“I was really just thinking about striking out each hitter — strikeout mentality,” Spingola said. “Just going after the hitters one pitch at a time and working on my pitches getting ready for N.C. State.
