The North Carolina women’s softball team (29-9, 8-4 ACC) defeated Charlotte (17-21, 5-7), 11-1, on Wednesday night at Anderson Softball Stadium.
The Tar Heels offense exploded early, scoring seven runs in the first two innings.
First-year right-handed pitcher Lilly Parrish started on the mound for the Tar Heels. Parrish allowed two hitters to reach base before shutting the door on the 49ers in the opening offense.
Junior outfielder Lexie Roberts started the inning off strong, rolling a ball down the left field line and slid into third for a triple. Graduate infielder Kat Rodriguez lofted a hit into short left field, bringing in the first run of the game. Graduate outfielder Kiannah Pierce brought two more runs in on an RBI double to left center. North Carolina went into the second inning with a 3-0 lead.
Parrish continued pitching to contact and caused two flyouts at the top of the second. The 49ers remained scoreless, leaving one batter stranded at first.
Graduate infielders Shelby Barbee and Grace Jackson battled hard in the opening at-bats, forcing two walks from redshirt junior righty Brooke Bowling. Roberts laid down a soft bunt to load the bases. Senior outfielder Alex Coleman singled to left, extending the Tar Heels' lead to 4-0. The North Carolina bats scored three more runs, ending the inning with 7-0.
North Carolina’s defense remained impenetrable, ensuring another scoreless inning for the 49ers.
UNCC head coach Courtney Breault brought in redshirt first-year pitcher Aubrey Yarnall, who limited the UNC offense.
The 49ers remained scoreless throughout the top of the third.
