Mendy McKenzie just made the trip from Cullowhee, N.C., to Raleigh this season, but already the former Western Carolina standout finds herself in the N.C. State record books after her start against Winthrop in March.

The junior retired all 18 batters she faced in a six-inning contest and recorded 10 strikeouts as she pitched the Wolfpack’s third perfect game in school history, picking up the 8-0 win.

Now with 11 wins, McKenzie has contributed immediately in her debut season with the Pack.

“I got the opportunity to come here and try to make an impact,” McKenzie said. “I love it here. I love the softball program and everyone involved with it.”

McKenzie has a special bond with roommates Shanna Smith and Claudia Cooper, who are also on the team.

“We’re like a small family,” McKenzie said.

And a small family made up of student athletes does more than play softball in between games.

“We’re big on Guitar Hero,” Smith said. “Our entire team is obsessed with it.”

The video game craze hasn’t affected McKenzie’s play, though, as her earned run average is 2.63, and she’s racked up 108 strikeouts in her first season in the red and white.

Smith said McKenzie’s work ethic is incredible and that she’s always working to get better.

“She stays after every day, working on her [pitches],” Smith said. “She wants to get every out.”

Though McKenzie, a junior in parks, recreation and tourism management, works hard on the field, she admits that she doesn’t rack up nearly as much star power on Guitar Hero as her teammates.

“I’m not very good,” McKenzie said. “They play Guitar Hero, and I just watch.”

But Smith applauded her efforts.

“She’s trying,” said Smith. “We pick at each other a lot.”

In the home stretch of the season, State is fourth in the conference at 8-7 with two series remaining against conference opponents. The Pack takes on league-leading North Carolina this weekend before capping the regular season next weekend against Florida State. State owns an 11-2 advantage all-time against the Heels.

“At this point, we’ve just got to keep going uphill,” McKenzie said. “We can’t stop here.”

Though a regular season championship may not be possible, the players feel a strong finish can reap much-needed momentum for the ACC tournament.

“She’s going to bring her A-game to the tournament,” Smith said.

And McKenzie said the team’s detractors only serve to motivate even better effort.

“People doubt us but that gives us more reason to try harder,” McKenzie said. “You always have to look forward.”