CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina broke open a 6-6 game with five runs in the fifth inning and held on for an 11-9 victory over the Longwood softball team in non-conference action at Anderson Stadium Wednesday.

Freshman designated player Avery Miller launched a three-run home run over the wall in right field in the top of the fifth to pull the Lancers (11-25) even, before the Tar Heels (23-13) received  two-out, run-scoring hits from Alex Coleman, Abby Settlemyre and Isabella Emerling to take the lead for good.

"Lots of positives from lots of players," said Longwood head coach Dr. Megan Brown. "Saw great improvements on both sides of the ball. Still growth to be had, but pleased with the direction we are heading."

In the bottom of the fifth, Coleman singled home Carsyn Snead while Settlemyre lined a double to right to score two. Emerling followed with a two-run single up the middle.

Longwood rallied for three in the top of the sixth after loading the bases with one out. Emily Vinson drew a two-out walk from North Carolina righty Kenna Raye Dark, forcing home Lauren Fox, who had singled.

Maggie Hiatt followed with a single to center, scoring Korynna Anderson and Lauren Taylor, to cut the deficit to two. 

Avery Drake reached on an error at shortstop to begin the seventh, but the next three batters went in order to seal the game.

Janelle Wilson (1-0) earned the win for the Tar Heels in the circle, pitching 3 2/3 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits and one walk in relief of starter Bailey McCachren. Maggie Chapin (11-13) was tagged with the loss for the Lancers, throwing the decisive fifth inning. Freshman left-hander Cierra Gawryluk started, surrendering four hits and two runs with a walk and a strikeout.

Longwood opened the scoring with a run in the top of the first as Fox led off the game with a single to left and later scored on a wild pitch with Sophia Knock batting. The Lancers made it 2-0 in the second inning when Drake scored as Emerling's throw from the behind the plate, attempting to cut down Fox stealing wound up in center field.

North Carolina tied the game in the bottom of the second with the help of a solo homer to left-center field by Emerling that keyed a two-run frame. The Tar Heels added two runs in the third and two in the fourth, building a 6-3 edge.

Emerling and Settlemyre each had three hits while Emerling drove in five runs to lead North Carolina. Fox paced the Lancers' 10-hit attack, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Anderson and Miller also posted multiple-hit outings.

Longwood returns home Saturday to host Winthrop in Big South Conference play for a 1 p.m., doubleheader at Lancer Field. All three games of the series are slated to be streamed on ESPN+.