Softball: Cavaliers drop series finale with Tar Heels, 5-3

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

A big fifth inning was too much to overcome on Sunday, as Virginia dropped the series finale with North Carolina by a score of 5-3 at Palmer Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

North Carolina scored in the first when a double steal attempt resulted in a run as the Cavaliers elected to get the trail runner for the third out in rundown. The Cavaliers (25-11, 6-6 ACC) then answered in the bottom of the first on an RBI single to right from Abby Weaver that scored Jade Hylton from third.

Virginia took the lead in the fourth inning runs off an RBI double from Gabby Baylog that scored Leah Boggs. Kailyn Jones then singled through the right side to score Baylog and put the Hoos on top 3-1.

North Carolina (14-24, 4-8) responded in the fifth, loading the bases with one out before a hit batter pushed the first run home. Jenny Bressler came in from the bullpen and got a strikeout before a triple to center scored three runs and put the Tar Heels on top 5-3.

The lead held down the stretch as the Cavaliers were unable to mount a rally.

Eden Bigham (9-4) took the loss as she allowed the five runs on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts through 4.1 innings of work.

Lilli Backes (7-12) picked up the win as she allowed the three runs on six hits while walking one and striking out six.

NOTES

• Despite the loss, the Cavaliers won the series against the Tar Heels with shutouts in the first two games.
• Gabby Baylog was 2 for 3 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored in the game.
• Jenny Bressler worked the final 2.2 innings, striking out six and allowing three hits.

FROM HEAD COACH JOANNA HARDIN

“Every game is a dogfight in the ACC. We knew North Carolina would come out ready to go. I thought our offense made some great adjustments, but it came down to one inning where a couple of hits fell in and some chaos on the infield. They came up with the big hit today. We have come things to clean up, but overall it was a great weekend. We’re ready for Virginia Tech to come to Palmer Park and have everyone come out for the Commonwealth Clash this coming week.”

UP NEXT

Virginia continues to play at home with a three-game series against Virginia Tech. The series is set to begin on Thursday. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Palmer Park.