In the teams' next meeting Sunday afternoon, it seemed things had fallen apart.
The Lady Volunteers defeated the Tar Heels 1-0 in the Triangle Classic softball tournament at Walnut Creek Softball Complex on Sunday, eliminating UNC from tournament play.
The Tar Heels had qualified to play Tennessee again after defeating Purdue 6-2 on Saturday night in its first gold-bracket game.
"I'm just really disappointed," UNC coach Donna Papa said. "We really felt like we should be in the championship, and we didn't get the job done."
Unlike in their games on Saturday, the Tar Heels were unable to capitalize on their few scoring opportunities.
One such opportunity came and went in the first inning. A bunt and a steal put UNC's Dionne Streete on third with no outs. Three batters and three outs later, the Tar Heels went back into the field scoreless.
UNC's Natalie Anter had the team's only hit, as Tennessee pitcher Nicole Borg delivered seven strikeouts against the Tar Heels.
"Tennessee, I think, was really focused and really wanted us based on what we did (Saturday)," Papa said.
What they did Saturday was blow out the Lady Vols 13-0.