CONWAY, S.C. – The Coastal Carolina softball team fell to the UNC Tar Heels 16-11 under the lights at St. John Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Tar Heels came out firing in the top of the first inning, scoring runs on two RBI singles and a two-run double to take a 4-0 lead.

The Chants responded in the bottom of the first inning when Keirstin Roose laced a triple off the right-center field wall to drive in Libby Pippin and Delaney Keith, narrowing the gap to 4-2. 

UNC extended its lead in the top of the second inning when Kiannah Pierce ripped a two-run single through the right side to make the score 6-2.

In the top of the third inning, the Tar Heels rattled off four more runs on a leadoff home run, an RBI double, a sacrifice fly, and an RBI single to increase the deficit to 10-2.

After belting a double to right center field, Roose crossed home plate on a stolen base and UNC miscue, making the score 10-3.

Coastal rallied in the bottom of the fourth, scoring on two RBI singles, a bases-loaded walk, and a groundout to cut UNC's lead to 10-7.

Brie Normandin and Clara Hudgens kicked off the bottom of the fifth with a leadoff walk and a bunt single, respectively. Pippin then stepped up to the plate and smashed a three-run home run over the right-field wall to tie the game at 10-10. Keith immediately followed with a home run of her own, pushing the Chants in front for the first time at 11-10.

The Tar Heels stepped back on the gas in the sixth and seventh innings, recording three runs in each to secure the 16-11 victory.

Freshman Malone Moore suffered her first loss in the circle, allowing three runs of seven hits over 3.1 innings of work.

For complete coverage of CCU softball, follow the Chanticleers on social media at @CoastalSoftball (X), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), and facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook) or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.