University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Arkansas
Carolina Claims Fun & Sun Title
February 12, 2006 | Softball
Feb. 12, 2006
MIAMI --- A win over Arkansas and travel considerations helped the University of North Carolina softball team claim the FIU Diamond Fun & Sun Classic title Sunday afternoon at University Park. The Tar Heels 8-4 win over the Lady Razorbacks combined with the flight schedules of both UNC and Georgia gave Carolina the championship. The Tar Heels and Bulldogs were scheduled to meet for the title, but the game was cancelled and UNC was named the champion due to its earlier win over Georgia.
Carolina (4-1) got ahead in the first against Arkansas (1-5), with senior designated player Erica Ennis singling home sophomore second baseman Cassie Palmer. Palmer, who had a pair of home runs and hit .474 for the weekend, was named the tournament's most valuable player.
The Lady Razorbacks responded in the third with a pair of runs off Tar Heel starter Amber Johnson to regain the lead. Meagen Harney led off the frame with a solid double and scored on a single by Rachel LeMaster. After advancing to third with two outs, LeMaster scored the go-ahead run on a passed ball to give the Lady'Backs a 2-1 lead.
But for the fourth time in the tournament, Carolina put together a big inning to take control. This time it was a seven-run fourth, as the Tar Heels sent 10 batters to the plate and the Lady'Backs committed three costly errors. The big play came with two outs and runners on first and third. Freshman center fielder Breanna Brown grounded to second, where Kayla Johnson booted the ball, allowing Brown to reach safely. Johnson then compounded the mistake by throwing the ball wide of first and into the dugout, sending Brown to second and scoring baserunners Whitney Gelin and Marissa May. Two batters later, junior shortstop Anna Evans drilled a double to the gap in right center, clearing the bases and giving UNC an 8-2 lead.
Arkansas would add single runs in the sixth and seventh, but Johnson (2-0) was able to maintain control and pick up the complete-game victory.
In addition to Palmer, Johnson and freshman pitcher Lisa Norris were also named to the all-tournament team. Johnson and Norris account for three of Carolina's four wins in the circle.
Carolina returns to action next weekend, as the Tar Heels host the annual Triangle Classic at Anderson Stadium in Chapel Hill.
