Nonconference games are best used to let teams find their strengths and weaknesses and set expectations for the season ahead.
After a 4-0 showing in the Carolina Classic over the weekend, the North Carolina softball team (11-4) found out the one thing that they’re best at — fighting back.
UNC came back from seventh-inning deficits in each of the weekend’s first two games, and used that momentum to sweep their Sunday double-header.
The Tar Heels controlled Friday’s game against Towson from the beginning, taking a 4-0 lead into the sixth inning before Brittany Pickett allowed five runs in 1 1/3 innings, giving the Tigers a 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh.
But UNC’s very first batter of the frame set the tone for the weekend, as Berlynne Delamora launched a solo home run over the Anderson Stadium fence, sending the Tar Heels to extra innings. After a few near misses, UNC finally broke through in the bottom of the ninth when Hailey Cole’s sacrifice fly scored Kendra Lynch, securing a 6-5 victory.
“It shows how much heart our team has,” Delamora said. “And that we don’t give up no matter that we’re down by however many runs.”
Saturday’s matchup with Miami of Ohio carried even more dramatics, as UNC’s bats fell silent early and the Redhawks held a 7-2 lead heading into the game’s final frame.
Well-timed hits from Lynch, Taylor Wike, and Pickett drew the Tar Heels close before Leah Murray evened the score with an infield single. Wike — the very next batter — drew a bases-loaded walk to give UNC its second walk-off win in as many days.
Lynch — who was named the Carolina Classic Most Valuable Player — was encouraged by the range of contributors in the Tar Heels’ two come-from-behind wins.
