The North Carolina players flooded out of the first-base dugout and rushed toward Kiani Ramsey, eager to celebrate a win that was the first of its kind.
They mobbed Ramsey, who scored the game-winning run, near home plate. And after shaking hands with the defeated visiting team, they gathered around the pitcher's circle and continued reveling in the victory as "Hark the Sound" played over the Anderson Stadium speakers.
Each player sung along. Their anticipation seemingly built with every word. Finally, when the last line arrived, they yelled "Go to hell, Duke," a phrase that carried little relevance among those in the softball program until Friday's 2-1 walk-off win over the Blue Devils.