With an overall record of 15-17 (1-7 in ACC), the N.C. State women’s softball team hopes to bring the heat as they play back-to-back games against UNC-Charlotte Wednesday.
Stemming from a six-game losing streak, including a crucial 14-inning loss to Boston College, the Pack has not done well offensively.
Senior third basemen Bridget Desbois explained that even though the loss to Boston College was tough, the overall matchup against the Eagles was a learning experience.
“We were there mentally,” Desbois said. “We just couldn’t string the hits together when we needed to. We had a few defensive errors, but overall we did great.”
Even though State lost both games, there is a lot of potential in the offense that is waiting to be unleashed against further opponents, including the Charlotte 49ers.
Pitching a 14-inning game against BC, or two complete games, freshman pitcher Kayla Cox showed that she has skills that other teams should fear.
“Kayla [Cox] pitched an absolutely excellent game for only being a freshman,” said Alicia Abbott, senior first baseman and outfielder. “She has really out-shown all of her other performances, and we now expect that from her for the rest of the season.”
With Coach Lisa Navas pushing the Pack both physically and mentally, junior pitcher Morgan Peeler feels like the team is ready to take on Charlotte as one.
“They are definitely a down and dirty team,” Peeler said. “We like to play in-state rivalries, and so a victory [today] would be a great win for us.”
With the 49ers being first in the Atlantic 10 conference and their pitcher Katy Hackett posting up an impressive 549 career strikeouts and two season saves, the Wolfpack knows it has to bring its A game both offensively and defensively.
When asked if there were any last minute kinks that the team must work on in order to prevail over Charlotte, Desbois said there was one in particular.
“I just think we need work on some little kinks,” Desbois said. “When we get runners on the plate, getting them to actually score is a big issue for us.”
Leadership, among other factors, is going to play a key role in determining who will come out on top. With only four seniors on a roster of 20, it is obvious that they must step up and lead their team in the right direction.
When asked if she feels upperclassmen lead the team, Abbott said that the seniors do not only lead on the field but off the diamond as well.
“I feel like our whole senior class exemplifies leadership and we work well together,” Abbott said. “We show great leadership both on and off the field.”
With the Pack having a winning home record of 6-3, it is evident that having the home-field advantage helps. Desbois pointed out several specific advantages to playing at home, which she feels make it a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
“It gives us the comfort that we know where everything is,” Desbois said. “All of our fans are there to support us, and we know what we are here to do; to win.”
