Tar Heels Bring the Thunder in 15-3 Rout of Elon: Five Home Runs, Dominant Debuts Highlight Statement Win
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - If Friday’s performance was any indication, Carolina softball came into 2026 with something to prove - and they wasted no time making a statement. The Tar Heels exploded for 15 runs in a dominant 15-3 win over Elon, notching their first run-rule victory of the season and moving to 2-0 for the first time since 2024.
The offensive fireworks started early and came often. Just like she did on opening day, Sanaa Thompson sparked the lineup with a leadoff shot that set the tone. Kinaah Pierce followed with a single that not only brought Thompson home but loaded the bases for Rayna Blackwell - and what came next was a moment that’s quickly becoming her signature.
For the second straight season, Blackwell launched the team’s first home run of the year. This time, she didn’t just clear the fence - she cleared the bases. A towering grand slam to left field put the Heels up 6-0 and sent a jolt through the Carolina dugout.
And they weren’t done.
Graduate slugger Shelby Barbee stepped in next and made it back-to-back bombs, a feat Carolina hadn’t pulled off since March 2025. That moment - when Carlie Myrtle and Kiwi Pierce went yard in succession against Louisville - now has company in the program’s highlight reel.
The power surge continued in the following innings, with a mix of veteran leadership and fresh faces getting in on the action. Michele Tarpey crushed her first career home run in Carolina Blue, and Reece Outlaw - making her first career start - made it count in a big way.
Her first collegiate hit? A no-doubt blast to deep left.
That swing pushed the lead to 13-0 and capped off a debut she won’t soon forget.
Emily LeGette joined the homer parade as well, connecting for her first in a UNC uniform. And while the long ball stole the show, the Tar Heels also showed patience at the plate. Nicole Knox picked up her first career RBI with a bases-loaded walk in the fourth inning, adding another layer to an already well-rounded offensive performance.
On the other side of the ball, the Tar Heels’ pitching staff was just as impressive. Carly Maxton made her UNC debut and looked right at home in the circle, tossing three scoreless innings and striking out five.
Kendall Frost followed with a clean inning of her own, adding a strikeout in her first appearance. Then came Carly Compton, who closed things out in the fifth with two punchouts in her collegiate debut.
From top to bottom, this was a showcase of depth, power, and poise - the kind of early-season performance that can energize a team and set the tone for what's ahead.
Carolina will look to keep the momentum rolling tomorrow when they take on Saint Joseph’s at 2 p.m. If Friday’s outburst was any indication, this Tar Heel squad has plenty more fireworks in store.