University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Virginia Tech
Tar Heels Stumble In ACC Semifinals
May 11, 2012 | Softball
May 11, 2012
2012 ACC Tournament Bracket | ACC Championship Site | Follow UNC Softball Via Twitter
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.-- Jasmine Harrell held the ACC's top-scoring offense to one run as fourth-seeded Virginia Tech upset No. 21 North Carolina, 4-1, in the ACC Tournament Semifinals. Amber Parrish tallied a RBI-single in the loss.
Kelsey Mericka drove a RBI-single through the left side in the top of the first inning, giving the Hokies an early 1-0 advantage.
Amber Parrish evened the score at 1-1 with a RBI-single to left field in the bottom half of the second frame.
Virginia Tech loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the third and Courtney Liddle drew a base on balls to plate a run. Logan Spaw followed with a RBI-groundout, pushing the Hokies ahead, 3-1.
Mericka tallied her second RBI of the game on a double in the top of the fifth inning, stretching the Hokie lead to three, 4-1.
Ally Blake drew a lead-off walk in the bottom of the sixth frame and Dickey follow with a single through the left side to position runners at first and second base with no outs. A passed ball allowed the runners to advance to second and third. Logan Foulks went down swinging for the first out. Jasmine Harrell intentionally walked Constance Orr to load the bases with one out. Harrell then struck out Jordan Scarboro and Lauren Walker to end the threat.
Wheeler reached base on a hit-by-pitch in the bottom of the seventh, but Harrell got Amy Nece and Ally Blake to ground out and seal the 4-1 victory.
Lori Spingola (31-10) was credited with the loss, surrendering three runs on seven hits--four earned--in the loss. The sophomore pitcher from Atlanta, Ga., also struck out four in the complete-game effort.
Virginia Tech advances to the ACC Championship game for the fourth time in the last eight seasons. The Hokies will face three-seeded Georgia Tech in the title game at 4 p.m. from Anderson Stadium. The game will air on ESPN.
North Carolina will now await word from the NCAA Softball Selection Show to see if it receives an at-large bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament. The selection show will air on ESPNU Sunday, May 13, at 10 p.m. Stay tuned to TarHeelBlue.com for more updates.
