CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Elon University softball team fell in its final nonconference road contest of the season at North Carolina, 12-4, on Wednesday evening, April 22, at the Eugene Anderson Softball Stadium.
UNC’s Kristen Brown went 2-for-4 with a home run and five RBI for the Tar Heels (34-11) who outhit the Phoenix (26-17) 12-8 on the evening. Taylor Wike had a team-high three hits on the day for North Carolina who had five players total with multi-hit performances.
Carey Million and Emily Cameron paced the Phoenix at the plate with 2-for-3 outings with Cameron also leading the way with three RBI. Aly Quintana had a solo home run in the top of the sixth for the maroon and gold, her third of the year.
Chelsea White (5-1) took the loss after she went 2.2 innings and allowed six hits, three runs with three strikeouts. White was one of three pitchers used on the day for the Phoenix. UNC’s Sydney Matzko (14-4) earned the win after pitching 5.0 innings with five hits and two runs allowed in the circle.
The Rundown: UNC got on the board first in the bottom of the third thanks to a RBI single to left field by Brown. The Tar Heels added two more to the scoreboard after a two-run home run by Jenna Kelly put the Elon down 3-0. The Phoenix answered with two runs of its own in the visitor half of the fourth on Cameron’s two-RBI single that brought the Phoenix within one, 3-2. UNC regained the momentum in the bottom of the frame loading the bases before Brown hit a grand slam to put the Tar Heels ahead 7-2. Two more runs crossed the plate for UNC to put the score 9-2 before Elon added two more in the top of the sixth behind Quintana’s solo homer and a RBI from Cameron. UNC closed out the contest with a three-run homer to right center to end the game, 12-4.
Inside the Box Score: Elon batted 6-for-12 with two outs…The Phoenix also went 2-for-4 with runners in scoring position…Both teams left four runners on base.
Notes of Interest: Alaina Hall extended her hitting streak to nine games with a single in the first…Kara Shutt achieved her 12th double of the year, the most for a Elon freshman since Carleigh Nester had 16 in 2011…Quintana drew her 15th hit-by-pitch of the season, a new single-season high and one behind Emily Roper’s team-lead…Elon’s four runs are the most the Phoenix has scored against the Tar Heels since 2011.
On Deck: The maroon and gold heads to Colonial Athletic Association leader James Madison this weekend, April 25-26, for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m.