University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
#4 Boston College (Quarterfinals)
Six-Run Sixth Inning Propels UNC To Quarterfinal Victory
May 12, 2016 | Softball
RALEIGH – Carolina junior Kendra Lynch twirled a four-hit gem then scored the game-winning run to kick off a six-run sixth inning as the Tar Heels defeated Boston College, 6-0, in the Quarterfinals of the 2016 ACC Softball Championship on Thursday. UNC (31-22) advances to play top-seeded No. 6 Florida State on Friday, May 13, at 1 p.m., in the first ACC Semifinal game. Boston College ends its record-setting campaign at 30-23.
“I thought we put pressure on them a lot offensively,” said head coach Donna J. Papa. “In the early innings, we didn't connect and make it happen, but the one thing about this team is that we've been very resilient all season and we just kept working and working. When we got some opportunities later we got it done.”
With Thursday's victory, the Tar Heels remain perfect in ACC Quarterfinal games since the tournament moved to a single elimination format in 2008. UNC has advanced to the ACC Semifinals all nine times, including an appearance in the 2011 title game. Carolina also preserves its spotless record against Boston College in the postseason, improving to 4-0 against the Eagles, while registering its 13th shutout victory in 25 years in the ACC Tournament.
The reigning ACC Pitcher of the Week, Lynch sealed up her second shutout in five days, limiting Boston College to just four hits and no walks over seven complete innings. The All-ACC First Team selection (27-16) tied the Carolina single-season record with her 49th pitching appearance, moving into third all time with her 27th win and sixth in complete games (31). The Indianapolis native is just one start shy of the program record and six innings pitched away from taking over that mark as well.
“I thought Kendra did an outstanding job,” said Papa. They have some good hitters. Cortez is one of the top hitters in the conference and I thought she did a great job with her.
“She's gained so much confidence throughout the season. She's got poise. She's got confidence, and she's been in big situations. She can do it both ways (offense and defense). That's where she's grown as a pitcher last year to this year. If she doesn't have a good inning pitching or hitting, that used to affect her but now it does not at all.”
Second Team All-ACC pitcher Jessica Dreswick (14-8) held UNC scoreless over the first five innings, but took the loss after giving up three runs on seven hits and two walks over the first 5.1 innings. Allyson Frei took over with one out in the sixth but allowed three runs, two earned, on three hits and three walks over the final 1.2 frames.
“I thought Dreswick did a great job,” said Papa. “The girls said she threw harder than when we faced her in Boston. Early on I didn't think we made good adjustments with the pitches we were swinging at, but as the game went on, we got better and better with our pitch selection.”
Senior Aquilla Mateen, who along with Lynch was named to the ACC All-Tournament Team in 2014, continued her hot bat this postseason, leading the game by going 3-for-3 with a run scored. Destiny DeBerry went 2-for-4 with a run and a stolen base at the top of the lineup, and Tracy Chandless drove the first run of the game across the plate with an RBI double. Lauren Fuller slugged a two-run home run, her fourth of the year, while Lynch and Berlynne Delamora both singled and walked in the game. Darby Rosen walked twice and scored and Taylor Wike had an RBI bunt single in the sixth.
“Lauren Fuller's home run was really big,” said Papa. “Tracy's hit was key. I thought Kiwi was great, our slappers and our speed really gave us some energy out on the field both offensively and defensively.”
Lynch retired the first 10 batters of the game before surrendering a one-out single to Annie Murphy in the top of the fourth. Tatiana Cortez followed with a double off the wall in right, but Chloe Sharabba lined into a double play as Kristen Brown flipped to Delamora at third to end the scoring threat and preserve the shutout.
The Tar Heels had runners in scoring position in four of the first five innings, but it was not until the top of the sixth that the first run of the game crossed the plate. Lynch worked a leadoff walk, then Delamora put her in scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Chandless then came through with an RBI double just inside the third base line to send Lynch across the plate and break the scoreless tie. Fuller followed by launching a two-run home run to make it 3-0.
But the Tar Heels did not stop there.
“Once we got that hit that scored the run, everyone just breathes,” said Papa. “Hitting is about momentum, so once somebody opens up that door, it just keeps coming. It just took Tracy's run-scoring hit to get it started.”
Rosen drew a full-count walk, and Mateen reached base on her third single of the day. DeBerry followed with an infield single, and Rosen scored after the first baseman dropped the ball. A perfect squeeze bunt went for an RBI single for Wike, then DeBerry came in to score on a wild pitch to make it 6-0 Carolina before the Eagles got the final out of the inning.
Lynch held Boston College without a hit over the final two frames, allowing just two baserunners on an error and a hit batter, and a soft liner to Brown at short closed out Lynch's fifth shutout of the season.
Friday's ACC Semifinal game between North Carolina and Florida State will air line on Fox Sports regional networks as well as ESPN3. The ACC Championship will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, and air on ESPN.
“I feel like we're playing some of our best softball right now, and I'm excited about the opportunity to go in and show them who we are and what kind of team we have,” said Papa. The Florida State weekend “was a turning point for us and since we played them, we're such a different team. It's great to have the opportunity to play the top team in the conference.”
Daily tickets are available for $5 for adults and $3 for youth 17 and under. Students from an ACC school can enter for free with valid student identification. Tickets can be purchased online: http://theacc.co/sb16tix.
Parking for the 2016 ACC Softball Championship is free and available in the Coliseum Deck located on Cates Avenue across the street from the Derr Track & the Soccer Field. Patrons will need to park on the second level of the deck or higher by entering off Jeter Drive or Jensen Drive.
For additional information on the 2016 ACC Softball Championship, visit http://theacc.co/sb16champ.
