University of North Carolina Athletics
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Western Michigan
Florida Fun Rolls On: Carolina Tops WMU, 3-2
March 9, 2007 | Softball
March 9, 2007
CLEARWATER, FLA. ---. North Carolina claimed a 3-2 victory over Western Michigan in the USF/Adidas Invitational Friday afternoon at Eddie C. Moore Field, pushing its winning streak to 11 consecutive games. Whitney Allen's two-RBI day and another great outing in the circle for Lisa Norris highlighted the win for the Tar Heels.
After a scoreless top of the first, Carolina (18-8) scratched the scoring column for one run in the bottom half to ease out to a 1-0 lead. Cassie Palmer got on base with single to start things off for the Heels, and after a Bronco error extended the inning, Whitney Allen racked up an RBI on a base hit through the left side. UNC went on to load the bases in the inning, but left three runners on as the game moved to the second.
Carolina starter Lisa Norris kept Western Michigan (3-5) off the scoreboard through two, but the Broncos managed an unearned run in the top of the third to tie the game at one. Norris did well to keep it there as WMU loaded the bases, but a flyout and a groundout ended the scoring opportunity.
UNC picked up two runs in the bottom half to regain the lead at 3-1. Stephanie Murad and Jennifer Jacobs had back-to-back hits to leadoff the frame, setting the table for the Heels. Allen picked up her second RBI of the game when the Broncos' second baseman failed to cut down pinch-runner Marissa May at the plate, and one batter later, Norris helped her cause with a sacrifice fly that scored Jacobs, pushing the lead to two.
Norris kept it that way through six innings, allowing just three WMU hits. But the Broncos wouldn't go quietly in the seventh, narrowing the gap to one with a leadoff single and an RBI double from Kristi Strange. Norris made sure to finish the Broncos off, though, inducing a groundout to third base to end things and take her record to 11-6. She pitched seven innings, giving up just one earned run and striking out eight.
UNC will face Jacksonville at 6 p.m. Friday in its fourth game of pool play.
