CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Tar Heels started their baseball season with two wins against the Wagner Seahawks on Friday and Saturday.


What You Need To Know

  • College baseball season began this weekend

  • North Carolina won its first two games against Wagner — 10-3 on Friday and 16-5 on Saturday — and fans are feeling optimistic

  • The Tar Heels will look for a sweep when they face Wagner again Sunday

Joyce Marcer was with her friends at the game in Chapel Hill on Saturday to cheer on her grandson.

Anthony Donofrio (4) hits the ball against Wagner on Saturday in the second game of a three-game home series for North Carolina. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

“We don't miss any games here,” Marcer said. “We always come and, you know, we meet people, and we are friends. We become friends. We get close because we have the same interest.”

When it comes to baseball, their excitement doesn't dwindle. 

“You would think that I had an interest money-wise,” she said. “But I have something better than that. I have my grandson out there, and I always enjoy watching to see what he can do, because he puts a lot of work in."

"All I have to do is come enjoy it," she said. "And I do. It's a fun time.”

And after a solid start to the season, Marcer and her friends are optimistic for a great year. So is sophomore Lindsey Vaughan.

“We're really excited for the season to start,” Vaughan said. “We just love it so much.”

Senior pitcher Ben Peterson throws Saturday against Wagner at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

When Vaughan started school at North Carolina last year, she didn’t know a lot about baseball. Once the season started, she got really into it. After going to almost every home game, she’s now a dedicated fan and loves the community that comes with it.

“It’s a lot of fun, especially sitting in the student section,” Vaughan said. “Because it’s very hyped. Whenever someone scores or someone gets a home run, and hearing… the jokes that people make, it makes it a lot more fun. It just feels like we’re all here together, which we are, and we’re all watching a sport that we love.”

Marcer and Vaughan say the school spirit at these games is something special.

“I feel like it’s like a family almost,” Marcer said. “You always meet new people, and it’s so enjoyable. I mean, it’s a highlight. Other than going to church on Sunday, this is the highlight.”

The Tar Heels play one more game against Wagner on Sunday before taking on Elon and East Carolina next week.