No. 5 UNC backs DeCaro’s ace stuff with big offensive day, extends win streak to 10

CHAPEL HILL — Jason DeCaro’s reputation as a big-time Friday starter is only improving. The 6–5 sophomore right-hander was efficient in a career-high 7⅔ innings as No. 5 North Carolina extended its unbeaten streak to 10 with season-highs of 16 runs and 17 hits in a 16–2 thumping of Stony Brook at Boshamer Stadium on Friday.

Depleted Heels battle but run out of gas at Duke in second half

DURHAM — No matter how many players are out, No. 8 North Carolina just keeps putting up a fight, regardless of the opponent. Against No. 16 Duke, freshman Lanie Grant — in her first college start — did her best to make up for playing without stars Reniya Kelly and Alyssa Ustby as UNC led by one at halftime. But the Blue Devils had too much firepower at the end, pulling away for a 68–53 victory Thursday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Unbeaten No. 5 Heels roll, off to best start in 12 seasons

CHAPEL HILL — The momentum from last season’s College World Series run just keeps rolling along for No. 5 North Carolina, which is off to its best start in 12 seasons. In his first homer since a memorable game-ending grand slam during that run, sophomore third baseman Gavin Gallaher ripped a two-run shot 397 feet over the left-center field. That fifth-inning shot gave the Tar Heels (9–0) the lead for good in a 13–4 victory Wednesday at Boshamer Stadium on a day that freshman designated hitter Perry Hargett had an impressive college debut with three hits, one homer and four RBI.

With switch flipped, UNC rolls to fourth straight win

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Suddenly, North Carolina is playing confidently, finding the right combinations and looking nothing like the Tar Heels who hit rock bottom two weeks ago at Clemson. With balanced scoring, consistent rebounding and a verve the Tar Heels could only dream of most of the season, the Tar Heels rolled into the Tucker Center — where many better UNC teams have stumbled — looking dramatically different.

UNC nation’s only team unbeaten on the road after rallying for huge win at Louisville

Life without Alyssa Ustby — however long that is — is never going to be easy, but No. 9 North Carolina having junior transfer guard Tray Crisp back and Lanie Grant’s savvy sure make it easier. Both came off the bench to score career-highs and make crucial buckets as the Tar Heels rallied from 12 points down to win 79–75 Sunday at the KFC Yum! Center for the program’s first win in six tries at Louisville, becoming the only women’s team in the country unbeaten on the road.

UNC pushes past Wake Forest, Pitt in bubble battle, holds NET spot but must keep stacking victories

CHAPEL HILL —  While the bubble battle for the ACC’s possible fourth NCAA tournament berth took a lousy turn Saturday for Wake Forest and Pittsburgh, it couldn’t have gone better for North Carolina three weeks from Selection Sunday. With an 81–66 Saturday home Quad 3 victory over Virginia, the Tar Heels (17–11, 10–6 ACC) also gave themselves an outside shot at a double-bye in the ACC tournament while continuing on a possible path to a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Withers leads ‘feisty’ Heels to third straight win

CHAPEL HILL — Fighting through the NCAA tournament bubble, North Carolina continues to play well during a stretch where any loss would likely end the Tar Heels’ chances. The Tar Heels jumped to an early 19-point lead and fought some lulls on both ends to come away with an 81–66 victory Saturday at the Smith Center over Virginia for their third consecutive victory, never trailing in any of those games.