University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Lehigh
Tar Heel Softball Tops Lehigh
May 18, 2001 | Softball
May 18, 2001
NORMAN, Okla. - The University of North Carolina softball team achieved another program milestone on Friday with its first NCAA Tournament win, 4-0 against Lehigh. With the victory, the third-seeded Tar Heels (38-18-1) advanced on to face top-seeded Oklahoma tonight at 7:30 CT.
"We were excited about getting the opportunity to play in our first NCAA Tournament, but we wanted to come out here and win some games," UNC coach Donna Papa said. "This win was really important for us."
The Tar Heels dropped their first tournament game, 4-2 to Massachusetts on Thursday. With one loss, they must beat the Sooners, ranked fifth in the nation, on their home field to advance in the double-elimination format.
Two seniors stepped up with big days at the plate against Lehigh to extend their careers. First baseman Beth Olen and designated player Carrie Bates both were 2-for 3 with one RBI each. Senior shortstop Michelle Semmes also had an RBI, as did junior catcher Natalie Anter.
Sophomore Michael Parrott earned the win to improve to 15-7. In her first action since April 28, she struck out 12, walked two and gave up just three hits. The win was her eighth shutout of the season. "She pitched a wonderful game," Anter said. "She was very confident and poised."
Tonight's game is the second matchup of the season between UNC and OU. In the Tar Heels' first trip to Norman this season for the Worth Invitational, Carolina lost 8-0 to Oklahoma on March 9. The Sooners led 1-0 until the bottom of the fifth, when they scored six runs to put the game out of reach.
"At least we know something about Oklahoma," Papa said. "They're the defending national champions and they have an excellent team. We'll have to play our best and take advantage of any opportunities we get."
Inning-by-inning updates will be available on Oklahoma's website, www.soonersports.com.
NCAA Tournament-Region 5
UNC 4, Lehigh 0
UNC....000 121 0 - 4 8 0
LU.....000 000 0 - 0 3 2
WP: Michael Parrott (15-7), LP: Stephanie Howell (12-5)
