University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Northwestern State
No. 25 UNC Continues To Roll, Tallying Two More Victories
February 19, 2012 | Softball
Feb. 19, 2012
2012 Season Preview
GAME ONE
Carolina struck early, with Kelli Wheeler drawing a leadoff walk and Ally Blake unleashing a two-run home run to left center field. Logan Foulks followed up with a solo shot over the left field fence, pushing the Tar Heels ahead, 3-0.
Sophomore Amy Nece sparked the UNC offense in the top of the fourth, legging out a two-out triple to right center field before Wheeler unleashed a two-run home run over the center field wall, propelling the Tar Heels to a 5-0 advantage.
Northwestern threatened in the bottom half of the fifth with the leadoff batter, Emily Allard, reaching on a bunt single and stealing second. Kristen Scharkey then reached base on a single to shortstop Paige Williams. Spingola retired the next three batters via a fly out and two strikeouts to escape the inning unscathed.
After tallying 11 strikeouts against the Wildcats, Spingola has recorded double-digit strikeouts in each one her starts this season. The sophomore from Atlanta, Ga., improved to 4-0 on the year, scattering six hits and two walks over seven innings.
GAME TWO
Carolina and Northwestern State resumed their game from Friday evening, which was halted in the top of the fifth inning due to rain.
The Tar Heels and Demons resumed play deadlocked at 0-0 in a true pitcher's duel. Carolina finally broke through in the bottom of the fifth. With Green on third and only one out, Wheeler drew a walk and Green caught Northwestern State's pitcher off guard and stole home, while Wheeler advanced to second base on the throw, giving the Tar Heels a 1-0 advantage.
Buchholz tossed a two-hit shutout as she corralled her second win of the year (2-0). The sophomore from Miami, Fla., walked five Demon batters and strung out a season-high nine in the win.
Carolina returns to action Saturday, Feb. 25, against Notre Dame at 12:30 p.m. and Minnesota at 3 p.m. as they host the 2012 Carolina Classic at Anderson Stadium in Chapel Hill.
