Carolina survived a tough Regional, overcoming a sporty Long Island University team on opening night, then beating reigning national champions LSU in two of three games to punch their ticket to the Super Regional against West Virginia.
Leading the way for UNC was freshman third baseman Gavin Gallaher, who was named the Chapel Hill Regional Most Outstanding Player. Gallaher announced himself on a national stage, saving the Diamond Heels from utter humiliation and despair in the opening game against LIU. The Sharks led the game 3-1 in the third inning. Gallaher chipped away at that lead with a solo shot in the fourth inning.