Fireworks came to Anderson Stadium Wednesday night, as the UNC softball team used a walk-off grand slam from redshirt freshman Isabela Emerling to beat Elon 9-5.

The walk-off was not only the program’s first grand slam in nearly four years, but also Emerling’s first hit in her collegiate career. It capped a comeback of nine unanswered runs for the Tar Heels, who trailed 5-0 after the top of the third inning.

A home run from fifth-year first baseman Kiersten Licea got Carolina on the board in the bottom of the fifth, and she was at it again in the fifth, knocking an RBI single to start a four-run Tar Heel rally. Licea finished 3-3 with three runs scored on the evening.

Junior Bailey McCachren kept the Phoenix off the board for the last 4.2 innings of the contest, scattering just four hits and striking out three. She earned her second win of the season.

Now 3-2 overall, the softball team will be back in action in Chapel Hill on Friday at 5 p.m. The Tar Heels will host both Minnesota and No. 25 Maryland for a pair of two-game series over the weekend as part of the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Anthony Sorbellini

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