UNC softball goes 1-1 in final day of Carolina Classic

The North Carolina softball team split its doubleheader on the final day of the Carolina Classic at Anderson Softball Stadium, with a narrow 1-0 loss to Lipscomb followed by an 8-0 victory over Mount St. Mary's. 

Loss to Lipscomb

First-year pitcher Nikki Harris pitched six innings, tallying five strikeouts but allowed the game-winning run on six hits. Despite both teams struggling offensively early on, Lipscomb broke the scoring drought in the fifth inning with Briyana Wright's solo home run.

Despite a late offensive push by the Tar Heels, including stolen bases by Destiny Middleton and hits by Alex Coleman, they couldn't overcome Lipscomb's defense.

UNC senior pitcher Talia Hannappel relieved Harris in the seventh inning, ending the inning with a pop fly caught between first and second base.

At this point, North Carolina only had one more chance to put runs on the board. Two quick ground outs put Middleton in a tight spot to get on base. Middleton hit a chopper and safely made it to first, but UNC senior center fielder Carsyn Snead’s bunt to advance Middleton got caught up in her own feet, recording the final out of the game.

Win over Mount St. Mary's

After a disappointing loss to Lipscomb, the UNC softball team bounced back with a resounding 8-0 victory over Mount St. Mary’s.

Led by an impressive pitching performance from North Carolina sophomore Kenna Ray Dark, who secured three up and three down in her second start of the season, the Tar Heels dominated from the outset.

Junior right fielder Alex Coleman sparked the offense with her 12th stolen base of the season, which set the stage for a barrage of runs. Graduate catcher Autumn Owen and other Tar Heels contributed to the scoring, with Owen hitting a two-run shot to extend the lead.

Despite a brief rally by Mount St. Mary’s in the fifth inning, the Tar Heels held firm, ultimately sealing the win with a walk-off run in the fifth.

After the game, UNC head coach Megan Smith Lyon praised the team's resilience and emphasized the need for focus in upcoming games, saying "we can't take games off."

The Tar Heels will look to maintain their winning momentum as they face North Carolina Central University next.