UNC fans rally as title hopes hinge on deciding Game 3

OMAHA, Neb. (WTVD) -- North Carolina will get one final chance to secure its first national championship as the Tar Heels face Oklahoma in a decisive Game 3 of the College World Series on Monday night.

Fans expressed optimism ahead of the winner-take-all matchup.

"Hoping for a Tar Heels win tonight," Chris Gallegos said. "That'd be awesome."

Supporters have traveled from across the country to follow UNC's postseason run. Gallegos made the trip from Colorado to visit Boshamer Stadium, while others who helped send the team off two weeks ago are now cheering in Omaha.

"The energy is just palpable," Allen Rogers said. "I've been to a few other sport tournaments, but something different about the men's College World Series."

UNC has made 13 College World Series appearances but has yet to win a national title. For many fans, the team's latest push represents more than a shot at history.

"We all kind of look for something to rally around, something positive," Rogers said. "This is an opportunity for us to really join around a common goal and highlight those things that are positive."

Among those in Omaha is David Hill, a young Tar Heel fan and leukemia survivor, who traveled to be part of the team's journey.

After losing Game 1 to the Sooners 9-3, the Tar Heels rallied Sunday to even the series with a 6-2 win. Game 3 is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on ESPN.