Carolina Softball Stays Perfect with Extra-Inning Victory Over Elon
In a thrilling nine-inning showdown, Carolina softball extended their unbeaten streak to 15 games with a hard-fought win against Elon on the road. The Tar Heels showcased resilience and a knack for clutch performances, proving they can handle pressure situations with poise.
The game kicked off with a bang as Shelby Barbee launched a two-run homer to left field, giving Carolina an early 2-0 lead. However, the Tar Heels' bats went silent for a stretch, allowing Elon to claw back into the game.
Kenna Raye Dark was impressive on the mound, delivering four solid innings with five strikeouts and no earned runs. Yet, UNC's defense faltered, committing four errors that led to two unearned runs, allowing Elon to tie the game.
Enter Kendall Frost in the fifth inning, who was nothing short of spectacular. She shut down the Phoenix offense, pitching five scoreless innings and striking out four, keeping the game within reach for the Tar Heels.
The top of the ninth saw Carolina's offense come alive with two outs. Lindsay Lumsden stepped up with a pinch-hit single, followed by Lexie Roberts taking over on the base paths.
Emily LeGette then smashed a line drive to right center, which looked like it would bring in the go-ahead run. However, the ball wedged into the wall for a ground-rule double, holding Roberts at third.
Shelby Barbee, having already made her mark earlier, delivered once again. She sent the first pitch up the middle, driving in both runners and pushing UNC ahead 4-2.
This clutch hit brought her season RBI total to 23, just shy of her entire tally from last season. Michele Tarpey was hit by a pitch, and Kiannah Pierce added an insurance run with a single up the middle, extending the lead to 5-3.
Frost returned for the bottom of the ninth and efficiently closed out the game, securing Carolina's 15th consecutive victory to start the season.
Final Score: UNC 5, Elon 3
This win underscores the Tar Heels' depth and determination, setting a high bar for the rest of their season. With performances like these, Carolina is proving to be a formidable force on the diamond.