The NC State softball team split the weekend with wins and losses after facing Wisconsin and Nebraska over two games at Dail Softball Stadium.
The first of four games was a shocking loss for the Wolfpack (5-4, 0-0 ACC) Friday as they met the Cornhuskers for the first time. NC State and Nebraska battled for control of the diamond with State preventing a run despite bases being loaded. The Pack gained a small lead 1-0 during the fourth inning. It was maintained until the final frame when Nebraska hit six runs at the eleventh hour to clinch the win 6-1.
“I’m pleased; we’re getting better and we have to continue to get better,” head coach Shawn Rychick said. “It’s a process but there were some good things I saw this weekend. We need to get healthy.”
Nebraska kept State at a record low of four hits the entire match. Despite the loss, starting pitcher for the Wolfpack Courtney Mirabella struck out six batters and didn’t allow any walks on the night. Starting shortstop Alyssa Compton was out due to injury.
The Cornhuskers remained undefeated until the second match against State Saturday evening.
NC State scored early in the first inning, a first for the team this season. In the second inning Nebraska tied the score at one. The Cornhuskers upped the ante with a pair of runs in the fourth but the Pack was quick to respond. Meredith Burroughs hit her second two-run homer of the season to tie the score at three.The Pack made a comeback with eight runs in the top of the seventh inning and took the game 11-6.
Sophomore Harli Hubbard pitched for State in the rematch against Nebraska until Mirabella replaced her to pitch the final two outs. Tyler Ross led the Pack in hitting with a 3 for 5 on the night with two runs and an RBI.
“Harli did a nice job today again,” said Rychick. “I’m real pleased with her outings this weekend. We put her in the fire a little bit and she responded well. She’s getting better everyday.”
The matchup with Wisconsin immediately following the Nebraska rematch was a low scoring affair for State.
Hanna Sommer drove in the only run for the Wolfpack in the second inning, her first homer of the season. Mirabella pitched for State and struck out 10 batters and only allowed four hits on the day.
It was a difficult game for State as they were limited to only two hits the entire game. Wisconsin took advantage of Wolfpack errors and brought the score to 2-1 in the third inning.
The rematch against the Badgers was a close one but the Pack pulled through to win 6-5 after tying the game late.
“Our offense did a good job picking up some runs,” said Rychcik. “I was real happy with the adjustments we made for today. Up the middle we were real strong.”
Mirabella struck out the Badgers in the seventh to clinch the win for State after a RBI double from Maggie Hawkins.
“It’s a short turnaround; a couple days of practice and then on the way to California,” said Rychcik. “It’s back to the practice field to try and get better. We’ve got a huge weekend ahead. It was a great opportunity for us.”
The team will compete in California Thursday through Saturday against teams from Stanford, Missouri, Florida and Michigan.
