University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Show Signs of Excellence in Fall Opener
September 21, 2016 | Softball
ROCK HILL, S.C. - After completing their first full week of fall practice, the North Carolina Tar Heels headed to Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Sunday, Sept. 18, to participate in the Cardinal College Clash. Carolina showcased great potential in the fall season opener, squaring off against South Carolina and Winthrop.
North Carolina's pitching staff was superb against South Carolina, cruising to an 11-0 run-rule victory.
“In our first game against South Carolina, we had solid pitching from both Sydney Matzko and Kellyn Daly,” said head coach Donna J. Papa. “It was clutch that they kept the leadoff off in four of the five innings we played.”
Redshirt junior Sydney Matzko was dominant throughout the contest and her commanding presence in the circle definitely played a key role in the Tar Heels' victory as the lefty pitched three innings while giving up just two hits.
Out of the bullpen, freshman right-handed pitcher, Kellyn Daly was also impressive, pitching two innings to close out the game without giving up a single hit.
Pitching wasn't the only strong suit for the Tar Heels on Sunday morning. The North Carolina bats were extremely strong and consistent throughout the game. Particularly, Destiny DeBerry, Taylor Wike, Kendra Lynch and Berlynne Delamora displayed their offensive potency in an extraordinary fashion, and they all played key roles in North Carolina's 11-run offensive explosion.
In game two on Sunday, the Tar Heels exhibited tremendous poise and resilience in the face of adversity. Freshman left-handed pitcher Brittany Pickett started for the Tar Heels against Winthrop.
“I started off by going in with a game plan,” said Pickett. “After the first few pitches, I started getting more comfortable and I wasn't so nervous. Everything was going through my mind during my first collegiate start. I was very nervous, and I'm glad I have teammates that keep me mentally strong and keep me going through the game.”
Pickett found a rhythm as the contest progressed, and it was evident that her nerves had eased. Daly and Matzko also made appearances in the circle for the Tar Heels, helping to limit the Winthrop offense.
Despite the earlier offensive onslaught against South Carolina, UNC headed to the bottom of the seventh inning trailing, 5-2. However, timely hitting and perfect offensive execution gave the Tar Heels hope.
Freshman Kristina Burkhardt ignited the Tar Heel offense as she hit a leadoff double in hopes of mounting a comeback. It was then another freshman's time to shine as Hailey Cole drove in Burkhardt with an RBI double to cut into Winthrop's lead.
“I was focused on scoring the run,” said Cole. “That was my job and I knew how important it was that I executed, so I looked for a good pitch to take out of the infield.”
Unfortunately for the Tar Heels, Carolina was unable to produce any further offense, dropping the nightcap, 5-3. Despite the loss, the fight and determination expressed by the Tar Heels until the very last out cannot be discounted or overlooked.
“Overall my takeaways from our two games were very positive,” said Papa. “The team played well together after just practicing as a team for one week.”
After going 1-1 this past weekend, the UNC will host the Elon Phoenix at Anderson Stadium on Friday, Sept. 23. The Carolina faithful will get a first look at the 2017 Tar Heels and their nine freshmen with the home game beginning at 6 p.m.
