University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Gardner-Webb
No. 20 Carolina Takes Two From Gardner-Webb
April 20, 2006 | Softball
April 20, 2006
OILING SPRINGS, N.C. --- Crystal Cox tossed a complete-game one-hitter and Theresa Nicholas had two hits and an RBI in game one, as the No. 20 North Carolina softball team swept a non-conference doubleheader from Gardner-Webb, 2-0 and 6-1, Thursday afternoon. Jennifer Jacobs and Emily Troup each had a pair of RBIs in game two in support of pitchers Lisa Norris and Amber Johnson.
Game one followed a recent trend of pitchers' duels involving Cox (23-6). Gardner-Webb countered with Taryn Beck, who allowed just two runs over seven innings despite allowing eight hits and not recording a strikeout. But two runs would be plenty for Cox, who needed just 86 pitches to defeat the Bulldogs.
Carolina (44-12) got on the board in the second when Jacobs led off with a single to right. After advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt, Jacobs' aggressive baserunning moved her to third on Alyssa Francona's groundout. That proved to be an important play, as Jacobs was able to score one batter later on a wild pitch.
The Tar Heels added an insurance run in the seventh thanks to a great at-bat by Nicholas. After a one-out walk by Ashley Oxendine, Nicholas spoiled a number of two-strike pitches before connecting on a 2-2 offering for her first career triple.
Gardner-Webb (11-31) did not advance a single runner beyond first base in the game, as only Lindsey Whitfield's single even left the infield.
Game two featured an ideal start for Carolina, as Cassie Palmer, Breanna Brown and Casey Testa strung together three consecutive singles. Jacobs then lifted a sacrifice fly to center to plate Brown and Troup singled home Joslin Higgins, who ran for Testa, to make it 3-0.
GWU got its only run of the day in the bottom of the inning, as Jessi Williams deposited her sixth home run of the year beyond the 220-foot sign in center. Jacobs got the run back in the third with her team-leading ninth home run of the year.
Norris (13-4) escaped trouble in the bottom of the third after the Bulldogs loaded the bases with one out. Adrienne Smith led off with a single in front of Lindsey Cox, who also singled. After a strikeout, Kelly Linsley grounded to Jacobs at first. Jacobs then fired to third in an attempt to cut down the lead runner. But her throw was low and wide, allowing Linsley to reach safely without an out being recorded. Norris then took over, inducing a comebacker for a force at home and then striking out Christie Barlow for the third out.
Palmer and Troup drove home single runs in the sixth and seventh while Johnson was solid in three innings of relief. The Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., freshman recorded her first career save after allowing just one hit and striking out five.
Carolina will now return home for a key Atlantic Coast Conference series with Georgia Tech. Game time for Saturday's doubleheader is set for 1 p.m.
