Virginia Downs North Carolina 3-1

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Virginia softball team (16-19, 1-7 ACC) collected its first Atlantic Coast Conference win with a 3-1 victory over North Carolina Sunday in the series finale at Anderson Stadium.

Sophomore pitcher Melanie Mitchell earned her first win in the circle since March 12 when Virginia beat then-No. 25 Syracuse 2-1. She missed five games nursing an injury.

Mitchell allowed one run on six hits and finished with five strikeouts and just one walk.

Virginia was led at the plate by senior Alison Pittman, who tallied two singles and scored a run. Freshman Erica Cipolloni also hit her first career home run.

North Carolina (24-13, 7-2 ACC) took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Logan Foulks singled up the middle. Teammate Tisha Mahon came on to run for Foulks and stole second. She would score on a Brittany McKinney RBI single through the right side.

In the fifth, UVa tied the score. With one out, Cipolloni belted her first home run over the centerfield fence. Virginia left two runners on later in the inning but was able to knot the game 1-1.

The Cavaliers then went up 2-1 in the sixth. Pittman singled up the middle then stole second. Stephanie Harris and Cipolloni followed with back-to-back walks to load the bases. The next batter, Alex Skinkis, the singled to left to score Pittman.

Virginia was able to extend its lead in the top of the seventh. With one out, Taylor Williams recorded an infield single. Then with two outs, Pittman also recorded an infield single to put runners on first and second. The next batter, Marcy Bowdren, blooped a single just beyond the shortstop’s reach, allowing Williams to score from second.

UNC freshman Lori Spingola, who earned the win in game one for the Tar Heels, was credited with the loss. She allowed three earned runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and three walks.

Virginia returns home Wednesday for a midweek non-conference doubleheader with James Madison. Game times are set for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at The Park.