University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Michigan
Carolina Softball Drops Third Straight at Kia Klassic
March 18, 2005 | Softball
March 18, 2005
FULLERTON, Calif. --- The University of North Carolina softball team was shut out for the fourth consecutive game Friday as the Tar Heels dropped a 5-0 decision to No. 5 Michigan in the final game of pool play in the Kia Klassic. UM's Lorilyn Wilson pitched 4.1 innings of no-hit ball in relief to improve to 10-0 on the season. Crystal Cox started in the circle for UNC and allowed five runs on six hits to take the loss.
It looked as though the Tar Heels (16-13) would strike first with back-to-back hits to lead off the game. Cassie Palmer lined a double to left center and Anna Evans reached on a bunt single to put runners on first and third with no one out. But Casey Testa struck out and Palmer was cut down at the plate on a failed double steal, leaving Carolina with a runner on second and two outs. Jessica Young, whose sister Marissa earned All-America honors at Michigan, then popped out to third to end the rally.
Michigan (24-1) capitalized on a Tar Heel miscue in the bottom half of the frame. After a pair of singles to opening the inning, Jessica Merchant hit a grounder to second that was booted by Palmer, allowing an unearned run to score. Cox (7-8) retired the next three batters in order to minimize the damage.
UNC again put two runners on in the second, as Whitney Gelin walked and Joslin Higgins dropped a single into short right with one out. But Michigan starter Nicole Motycka struck out Theresa Nicholas and got Erin Dudley to ground out to end the inning.
The Southern California weather dealt the Tar Heels a blow in the third. After Testa and Young singled with two outs, the game was halted for 21 minutes due to a driving rainstorm. When play resumed, Wilson entered the circle for the Wolverines and proceeded to hold Carolina hitless for the final 4.1 innings. Only a Palmer walk and a Testa hit by pitch blemished Wilson's line.
UM scored three insurance runs in the sixth to chase Cox from the game. After a leadoff walk, Stephanie Bercaw laid down a sacrifice bunt. Pinch-runner Michelle Weatherdon continued running around second and beat the throw at third. Weatherdon then trotted home when the Tar Heels failed to cover the plate. A Grace Leutele two-run homer two batters later provided the final margin.
The Tar Heels will now begin play in the consolation bracket of the Kia Klassic tomorrow morning at 11:45 a.m. PST. UNC's opponent has not been determined at this point, but will come from the pool that includes DePaul, Penn State, Nebraska and Washington.
