University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Western Carolina
Tar Heels Win On Wild Finish
February 12, 2015 | Softball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - After scoring 31 runs in their first five games of 2015, the Tar Heels needed only one in the seventh inning to defeat Western Carolina Wednesday 1-0 in their 2015 home opener at Anderson Stadium.
“That was a grind,” said Head Coach Donna J. Papa. “…Western Carolina made some nice plays, I thought their pitchers did a really nice job but it was a grind. Kaylee Carlson did an awesome job. When you get the lead-off batter every inning that's a big thing.”
The freshman Carlson allowed two hits through seven innings, only walking one batter while fanning six to pick up the first win of her career.
“It feels really good” said Carlson on her first win. “Coming off last weekend all the nerves are out and I was ready to play… I think it was my best [performance] of the season so far. Arizona was good to get the nerves out but this is how I expect to play every game. “
Carlson's teammates did their best in the field to make sure that their pitcher's stellar performance did not go to waste. Kendra Lynch made a leaping grab just in front of the warning track in right field in the fourth inning and Kristen Brown was a vacuum at shortstop, snagging ground balls left and right.
UNC tallied seven hits on the day and had multiple scoring opportunities but could not capitalize.
After an Amber Parrish walk with two outs in the fifth, Elly Wagner was brought in to pinch run. A Kristen Brown single through the left side brought up Jenna Kelly with runners on first and second. Kelly knocked the ball into right field but Wagner was thrown out at the plate after a picture perfect throw by the WCU right fielder.
With the game scoreless going in to the bottom of the seventh inning, Aquilla Mateen led off for Carolina. Although she is known more for her speed than her power, Mateen roped a pitch into the gap in left field for a double. Amber Parrish laid down a sacrifice bunt to move her over to third. With Kristen Brown at bat, Catamounts pitcher Taylor Sigmon threw a wild pitch that bounced in the dirt that the catcher could not handle. Mateen seized the chance and broke for the plate, scoring the game's lone run, giving the Tar Heels the victory.
North Carolina softball will next travel to Colombia, S.C. for the Gamecock Invitational this weekend where they will face off against Appalachian State, the College of Charleston, South Carolina, and Presbyterian.
