The North Carolina softball team (2-0, 0-0 ACC) won its second game of the season, 9-6 against Lipscomb in the Tar Heels’ second game of the Carolina Classic.
What happened?
In a game that looked like the Tar Heels would carry over their struggles at bat from the season opener, Lipscomb jumped out to an early first-inning lead, but that appearance quickly changed as UNC scored three runs off two hits in the second inning.
Lipscomb, however, kept pace with the Tar Heels by scoring three runs of its own and maintaining its one-point advantage.
UNC opened up its lead throughout the third, fourth and fifth innings. During this stretch, the Tar Heels scored five runs by strong batting performances in the fifth inning and capitalizing on Lipscomb miscues. UNC also tightened the screws on defense during this stretch, allowing just one run and two hits.
The Tar Heels held a four-run advantage over Lipscomb heading into the bottom of the seventh inning. The Bison were unable to muster enough offense to win the game or send it into extra innings, and the Tar Heels maintained an undefeated record with a 9-6 win.
Who stood out?
When it looked like Lipscomb’s batters couldn’t miss at bat, sophomore transfer pitcher Talia Hannappel stepped in and brought a steady presence on the mound. Hannappel allowed just three hits and two runs through five innings while boasting an ERA of 3.6.
Junior outfielder Bri Stubbs also stepped up in a big way after the Tar Heels’ poor batting performance in the season opener against George Washington. Stubbs recorded three hits in three appearances at bat against the Bison while also contributing an RBI. Stubbs also contributed two putouts, which were critical in slowing down the Lipscomb batters that were firing on all cylinders early in the game.