University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Virginia Tech
UNC Wins 1-0 To Take Series From Virginia Tech
April 10, 2005 | Softball
April 10, 2005
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- North Carolina scored a run in the bottom of the sixth inning and junior Crystal Cox threw her eighth shutout of the season as the Tar Heels beat visiting Virginia Tech 1-0 Sunday afternoon in Atlantic Coast Conference softball action. UNC, which split with the Hokies on Saturday, claimed an ACC series for the first time this season and improved to 27-21 overall, 4-5 in conference play. Virginia Tech fell to 33-12 (2-7 ACC).
"Winning this series is very significant for us," UNC coach Donna J. Papa said. "Down the stretch, its' very important we get in a good position for the ACC Tournament and in the regional standings. And it was also very important from a mental standpoint as a boost for our confidence."
The Tar Heels lost two of three in their first two ACC series, against Florida State and Georgia Tech, but hadn't played a conference game since March 12 before the series with the Hokies, who are in their first season of ACC play. On Saturday, Virginia Tech won the first game 2-1 and the Tar Heels took the second, 11-1 in five innings.
After stranding five runners over the first five innings, Carolina won Sunday's game in the sixth. Sophomore shortstop Anna Evans led off with a walk and freshman designated player Casey Testa moved her to second with a sacrifice bunt. Evans then advanced to third on a wild pitch. With two outs, sophomore catcher Whitney Gelin singled to right to bring home Evans for the only run of the game. The RBI was the 16th of the season for Gelin, who was 2-for-3 on the day.
Cox struck out eight and gave up five hits to improve to 13-13. "Crystal did a great job today," Papa said. "She was very sharp and she had more command than she did yesterday. Her pitches seemed to be moving well and the defense played well behind her."
Virginia Tech threatened on several occasions, with runners on first and second with one out in the second inning and runners on second and third in the sixth. Right fielder Theresa Walsh went 2-for-3 at the plate with a double. Freshman pitcher Angela Tincher (17-5) struck out six and walked three in five and two-thirds innings to take the loss.
UNC returns to action on Wednesday with a home doubleheader against UNC Greensboro at 4 p.m.
North Carolina 1, Virginia Tech 0
VT 000 000 0 -- 0 5 0
NC 000 001 X -- 1 5 1
Win: Crystal Cox (13-13); Loss: Angela Tincher (17-5)
Records: UNC 27-21 (4-5 ACC); Virginia Tech 33-12 (2-7 ACC)
