The Terrapin softball team’s three-game set at North Carolina this weekend wasn’t set up to be the kind that could revive a season.

As they traveled to Chapel Hill, N.C., the Terps had history — both recent and longstanding — against them.

The Terps hadn’t beaten North Carolina since 2007 and hadn’t taken a series victory over the Tar Heels since 2002. A continuation of the Terps’ 10-year postseason drought seemed inevitable, especially given their struggles against the ACC’s top teams.

But after taking two of three from North Carolina, the Terps’ NCAA Tournament hopes have found new life.

“We were on a mission,” coach Laura Watten said. “We knew what our opportunity areas were and what we had to do. We just went out and did it.”

Saturday’s series opener started like many games have for the Terps (27-18, 5-9 ACC) this year — with great pitching but no run support.

Pitcher Kerry Hickey continued her stretch of pitching dominance as she held the Tar Heels to two runs in six innings of work. But after the Terps failed to score a run through the first five innings, it looked as if Hickey would be the tough-luck loser.

But just when the Terps seemed headed for another close ACC defeat, their offense exploded for five runs in the top of the sixth inning, with Alex Schultz’s three-run home run administering the critical blow.

In the nightcap Saturday, the Terps didn’t have to wait as long to grab the lead.

In the top of the third inning, outfielder Vangie Galindo struck out on what appeared to be the third out, but a passed ball kept the inning alive. The Terps capitalized on the extra out, with Schultz’s two-RBI single giving the team a lead they would never relinquish.

“We’ve got to be able to manufacture [runs] at some point,” Watten said. “You get an opportunity like that, you take advantage of it. That was a heads-up play for her. This team knows how to fight.”

Knight started the game and held firm throughout, allowing one run while working her way out of several jams.

While the Terps were unable to pull off the sweep — losing 4-0 in the series finale — the weekend was a major step forward for the squad.

“We’re not going to hang our heads about this loss today,” Galindo said. “We won the series, and that’s what we’re really proud of. We’re taking one game at a time; we’re just going to keep moving forward.”

After starting out the ACC season 0-7, the Terps have won five of their last seven conference games, taking their last two conference series.

ACC play against the league’s upper crust this year had bedeviled the Terps well into the middle of the season, dealing the Terps sweeps against Georgia Tech and Virginia and a series loss at home to Florida State.

While the Terps’ second loss this season to Towson on Wednesday hurt their NCAA Tournament hopes, a strong showing against a vaunted North Carolina team might be enough to make up for their instate struggles.

“I think it’s a big emotional team-building strength type of situation,” Watten said. “We’ve been consistent rebounding from tough losses this year. It shows a little bit of character of our team.”

Before their loss to Towson, the Terps’ RPI stood at 43, a mark that puts them right in the thick of the NCAA Tournament chase. While Wednesday’s setback should hurt the rating, the two victories at North Carolina could compensate and, in turn, help their postseason chances.

“I hope it says a lot,” said Watten, whose Terps will play Saturday at N.C. State. “But we’ve still got a season to play. Honestly, we just want to focus on one game at a time right now and not even look at the tournament. The finish line is pretty long way away.”

“We’re just going to go like we’re an army and just attack these teams,” Galindo said. “We don’t have much to lose.”

schneider@umdbk.com