NC State softball is back and better than ever, and this isn’t last season’s team. Following a trip to No. 11 Clemson, new head coach Lindsay Leftwich has the Wolfpack sitting at 14-5 this year. While the Pack only took one of three games against the Tigers, it proved it could hang with one of the ACC’s best.
From standout players to overall team success, there are plenty of encouraging trends for the red-and-white. Here are the biggest takeaways from NC State’s first 19 games of the season.
Marbury shining
Sophomore utility player MaKayala Marbury has separated herself as the most dangerous bat in the Pack’s lineup. Through 19 games, Marbury has a .389 batting average and a team-high 18 RBIs. What stands out most is Marbury’s power — with six home runs and two triples already, she’s always a threat to score when she steps to the plate.
While Marbury’s best moments have come at the plate, she’s also proven to be dangerous running the bases. Marbury leads the team with eight stolen bases, while only getting caught stealing once. The sophomore’s effectiveness and efficiency have been key for the Wolfpack, especially looking forward to ACC play.
Strong pitching
Redshirt senior righty Aisha Weixlmann has proven to be a star in the pitching circle, leading the red-and-white with 35 strikeouts. Weixlmann has posted a 5-1 record, including an impressive 6-1 win over Clemson. In six innings against the Tigers, Weixlmann only allowed four hits and no runs, while striking out five batters. The win over Clemson served as an exclamation point to a strong season start.
Weixlmann hasn’t been the only star pitcher for the Wolfpack — sophomore right-handed pitcher Madison Inscoe has excelled in her right. While Weixlmann has been the strikeout queen, Inscoe has displayed the best control. With only nine walks in ten games, Inscoe rarely gives opponents free bases and she also boasts an impressive 2.73 ERA.
Patience at the plate
Patience at the plate has paid major dividends for NC State, resulting in pitchers being forced to throw favorable pitches or walk batters. The Pack is currently tied for second with Georgia Tech for the most walks in the ACC at 77. With a consistent flow of walks, the Wolfpack has gotten on base without always having to put the ball in play, reducing the risk of suffering outs.
Consistently winning
Maybe the most exciting development for NC State this season has been its quick start — especially when contrasted to last season’s constant struggles. While 2023 was marked by a midseason coaching change and losing streaks, the Pack has completely reversed its play this season. Following a 1-3 start, the Wolfpack rattled off 13 consecutive wins, nearly as many wins as the team had last season.
Additionally, the Pack has established a strong home-field advantage. The red-and-white is 10-0 at Dail Softball Stadium — drastically better than its 16-14 home record in 2023. With the team winning and fan interest growing, the Pack’s home-field advantage should only strengthen.
