Pack’s Comeback Bid Falls Short in Game One Against UNC

Thursday, April 2

Raleigh, NC

7pm

NC State

21-15, 3-6

RV/- North Carolina

26-9, 6-7

North Carolina

NC State

Maia Townsend sliding home vs UNC 4/2/26

Pack’s Comeback Bid Falls Short in Game One Against UNC

4/2/2026 10:55:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State mounted a late comeback attempt but could not fully erase an early deficit as North Carolina claimed a 9–6 win in game one Thursday night at Dail Softball Stadium.

The Wolfpack fell to 21-15, 3-6 on the season despite out-hitting the Tar Heels, 9-7. NC State rallied from a seven-run deficit behind a three-run home run from sophomore Kendall Simmers in the sixth inning but was unable to complete the comeback.

How It Happened

North Carolina opened the scoring in the first inning on an RBI double from Shelby Barbee to take a 1-0 lead.
The Tar Heels broke the game open in the third inning, plating six runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batter to take a 7-0 advantage.
NC State responded in the bottom half of the inning when Lily Livingston ripped a two-run triple to right field. MaKayla Marbury followed with an RBI groundout to cut the deficit to four (3-7).
UNC added to its lead in the fourth inning as Emily LeGette launched a solo home run to center field, pushing the margin to 8-3.
The Wolfpack threatened in the fourth after a double from Carly Short and a single from Maia Townsend but were unable to bring anyone around the bases.
NC State continued to chip away in the sixth inning. After singles from Short and Livingston, Kendall Simmers blasted a three-run home run to left field to bring the Pack within two runs (6-8).
The Tar Heels answered immediately in the seventh inning with another solo home run from LeGette to extend the lead to three (9-6).
NC State put a runner aboard in the seventh but could not rally further as UNC closed out the win.