The North Carolina softball team (29-10, 6-5 ACC) fell, 11-3, to No. 22 Duke Blue Devils (27-12, 7-5 ACC) on Friday evening at Duke Softball Stadium.
The Tar Heels started out consistent with a 2-1 lead through the top of the second. But with bases loaded in the bottom of the second, Duke's Thessa Malau'ulu popped up to right field, sending a runner home. First baseman Carlie Myrtle tried to send the ball home to stop the score, but it was unsuccessful, allowing the Blue Devils to send all three of their players on base home.
Duke led 4-2.
In the top of the third as graduate designated player Kiannah Pierce hit a strong double down the center of the field. But with two outs, graduate third baseman Shelby Barbee struck out swinging to send the Blue Devils into the bottom of the frame. Duke's KK Mathis responded with a solo home run in the bottom of the third to make the score 5-4.
The Tar Heels tried to slow down Duke's momentum in the fourth. North Carolina switched pitchers three times throughout the inning. First-year pitcher Alexandra Bacher allowed back to back home runs, pushing UNC's deficit to 9-2. Sophomore Nikki Harris came in as the fourth pitcher of the game for North Carolina and got the Tar Heels out of the inning.
Although Myrtle hit a home run in the top of the fifth, the damage was already done.
The Blue Devils closed mercy ruled UNC and ended the game with an 11-3 score.
The Tar Heels will take on the Blue Devils again tomorrow looking to even up the series at 1 p.m. at the Duke Softball Stadium.
