University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Fairfield
UNC Tops Fairfield, 1-0, Behind Norris' Gem
March 2, 2007 | Softball
March 2, 2007
CHAPEL HILL --- North Carolina (10-8) rode the strong pitching of Lisa Norris, who set a career high with 13 strikeouts and gave up just one-hit in a complete game shutout, to a 1-0 victory over Fairfield (0-1) in its first game of the Tar Heel Invitational Friday night at Anderson Stadium. Stephanie Murad claimed two of UNC's four hits on the day, singling in the second and fourth innings.
Carolina put the first run - which would turn out to be all they needed with Norris in the circle - up on the scoreboard in the top of the second. Fairfield pitcher Jessica Stand plunked Tar Heel first baseman Jennifer Jacobs to lead off the frame, giving UNC its first baserunner of the game. Christine Knauer pinch ran for Jacobs, eventually coming around to score courtesy of Stephanie Murad and Whitney Gelin singles, putting the Heels up 1-0.
The one run proved to be plenty of insurance as Norris was consistently dominant from the get-go, foiling the Stag hitters all game. She struck out two batters in every inning but the fourth, where she picked up one. The 13 strikeouts bettered her previous career high by two. Fairfield's only hit, a triple off the bat of Dani Griswold, came with two outs in the bottom of the second, and Norris responded with a strikeout to end the threat.
With the victory, North Carolina has now won three straight for the first time this season. The game marked the first of the season for the Stags.
North Carolina has two games on the slate as the tournament continues Saturday - a 2:30 p.m. matchup against Appalachian State followed by a 4:45 tilt. Both games will be at Anderson Stadium and admission is free.
