University of North Carolina Athletics
CAROLINA: The Perfect Family Facility And Atmosphere
April 2, 2014 | Softball
Note: This story appeared in the April 1 issue of CAROLINA.
By Michael Melvin
The Game
Senior Lori Spingola stole the show in Carolina's 6-1 win over ECU on Wednesday by throwing a one-hit complete game. Spingola tallied seven strikeouts in her seven innings, pushing her record to 12-7 on the year. "I thought we did a really good job today," said head coach Donna Papa. "Lori was outstanding and had one of her best outings on the mound."
Junior Kati Causey tallied a pair of hits, including a two-run home run to lead the offense. Sophomore Erin Satterfield also had a solid day, finishing with two hits, an RBI, and a run scored to help Carolina's effort. "Kati Causey and Erin Satterfield each had key hits for us. We were very poised, very solid today," said Papa.
After their Sunday doubleheader with Florida State, Carolina boasted a 16-14 record, including a 9-4 conference record, near the top of the ACC table.
The Experience
Fans are essential to any sporting event, but so is the quality of the hosting facility. Anderson Softball Stadium plays a major role in generating the environment for softball games, and it is one of the most visually appealing venues that Carolina athletics has to offer.
Perched up on a hill and carved into the side of it, Anderson Stadium offers great seating. Individual behind-the-plate seats, bench seating, and standing area above each dugout allow for a versatile range of perspectives from which to watch the game. Every seating location is on top of the action, and with a faster pace than typical baseball games, the action is constantly entertaining. With the elevated view of the field and its lush green grass, enough can't be said about the beauty of the stadium, especially on a sunny day.
In attendance at Carolina's game against ECU were several notable former Carolina student-athletes. Bengals running back Giovani Bernard was in the crowd cheering on the team with some NFL Draft-bound Tar Heels, and former basketball star and current Tar Heel Sports Network color commentator Eric Montross threw out the first pitch.
Something to note about softball that is different from baseball is an un-elevated mound, shorter bases, a shorter field, and underhand pitching. All games offer free admission, and with grass hills and patches around the stadium, it is a great place for families with children to enjoy Carolina athletics. Nearly every foul ball was chased after by a gang of 10-15 kids who wanted to be the first to get their hands on the prized possession, highlighting the family-friendly aspect of this experience.
The venue is perfect for kids and parents because the stadium area is small enough that children don't get lost in a big crowd, but it is also big enough to allow room for the kids to play in the grass or around the exterior of the stadium if their attention doesn't stay on the game. For those reasons, softball may be the most family-friendly sporting event that Carolina has to offer.
Wednesday's game against East Carolina was thankfully one of the last cold days before the incoming Chapel Hill spring is finally here to stay. Despite slightly chilly temperatures, the crowd of more than 100 people enjoyed a solid display of offense and defense from the Tar Heels. Cheering is continual from the dugouts, as teammates take part in a steady stream of chants and superstitious rituals during nearly every pitch.
As a fan, the majority of the cheering is reserved for big hits, strikeouts, or other momentum-shifting plays. On the other hand, softball is a very laid back spectator sport, and as a result the environment is naturally social. Without a constant ball in action like basketball or soccer, the time between pitches or hits is a perfect time to hang out and carry on a conversation. Softball games are perfect for fans looking to enjoy the upcoming spring weather, Carolina sports, a beautiful setting, and a laid back social environment.
