University of North Carolina Athletics
Softball Wraps Up Undefeated Fall Season
October 12, 2015 | Softball
CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina softball team completed its fall exhibition season over the weekend with a 6-1 victory over Elon to finish the offseason with a perfect 4-0 record. The Tar Heel defense limited the Phoenix to just two hits and a single unearned run, while the offense put together nine hits, including four for extra bases, and stole three bags.
“I was really pleased with the team's approach on Friday night,” said head coach Donna J. Papa. “We have continued to have quality at-bats, to execute bunts, and to be aggressive on the bases. I was really pleased with our pitcher's mound presence and the execution of their pitches. We have not played a lot of games this fall due to rainouts, but the games we have played, I have been pleased with some of the little things we have done well.”
Carolina cracked the scoreboard early, putting up three runs in the bottom of the second and two more in the third to carry a quick 5-0 lead over the Phoenix. Elon did not plate a runner until the top of the sixth, and the Tar Heels replied with one more in the bottom of the seventh for a final score of 6-1.
Kendra Lynch led the Tar Heels at the plate, slugging two doubles while driving in a run and scoring once. Freshman Kiana Sherlund reached base in both of her plate appearances, drawing a walk and slamming a two-run triple, while classmate Destiny DeBerry was 2-for-2 with an RBI. Senior Tracy Chandless went yard for a solo home run, and Dani Garcielita provided some speed on the basepaths, with a single, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
In addition to her performance at the plate, Lynch tossed the first three innings for the Tar Heels, allowing just one hit and striking out three. Sydney Matzko followed with three innings of one-hit ball, striking out six and allowing the unearned run, then senior Lauren Fuller closed out the game with a hitless seventh inning.
Carolina was slated to play 2015 NCAA Super Regional qualifier Georgia on Saturday afternoon, but the pair was only able to get in one rain-soaked inning before the game was washed out.
“We were disappointed about not getting to play the game with Georgia,” said Papa. “That had the makings of a great game and would have been a great ending to our fall season. We will continue this week with our own Tar Heel Blue White Series on Monday and Tuesday.”
