The North Carolina softball team (39-14, 15-9 ACC) defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (23-29-1, 7-17 ACC), 3-1, to earn the series sweep on Sunday afternoon at Melissa Cook Stadium.
North Carolina earned the series sweep following spectacular play on both sides of the ball and a complete game pitching performance by junior pitcher Kenna Raye Dark. Despite not having a hit until the fourth inning, the Tar Heels’ offense showed up when needed to secure the win.
North Carolina's offense started slow as the first three batters were retired in order at the top of the first. The UNC defense showed off in the first inning, completing a double play to end the inning and hold the Fighting Irish scoreless.
UNC's offense continued their slow start, only bringing four batters to the plate in the second inning, remaining scoreless. Dark retired the side with the help of a diving catch by sophomore center fielder Sanaa Thompson, holding the score 0-0 going into the third.
Notre Dame pitcher Micaela Kastor continued her strong outing, retiring the next three batters faced and holding the Tar Heel offense hitless through three innings. Despite allowing a leadoff walk, Dark settled in and retired the next three batters to keep the game scoreless heading into the fourth.
North Carolina's offense finally broke through, scoring the first run of the game following an RBI single from graduate second baseman Kat Rodriguez. Despite threatening further, the Tar Heels stranded a runner on third, keeping the score 1-0 after four. The Fighting Irish responded by scoring a run in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game. Notre Dame continued to threaten, but UNC’s pitching battled to limit the damage, holding the score 1-1 going into the fifth.
The Tar Heel offense continued to create scoring opportunities during the top of the fifth but failed to capitalize despite having two runners on base. The Tar Heels’ defense secured the three outs in the bottom of the fifth, keeping the score 1-1.
Both the Tar Heels and Fighting Irish were held scoreless in the sixth inning.
UNC started the seventh inning strong with two straight singles, placing two runners on base. Following a sacrifice bunt by graduate third baseman Shelby Barbee, the runners advanced to second and third. Graduate shortstop Grace Jackson poked a double through the outfield to bring both runners in and give the Heels the 3-1 lead. Notre Dame’s Micaela Kastor finished the inning with a strikeout to pitch her fourth complete game of the season.
