NC State softball returned to Raleigh between two ACC road trips, taking on UNC-Charlotte. The Wolfpack and 49ers battled back and forth during the start of the matchup, but the visiting dugout jumped out to a quick lead and didn’t look back.
After playing Notre Dame last weekend in South Bend, the Pack (18-13, 1-8 ACC) traveled back to Dail Softball Stadium for a Tuesday matchup under the lights. Wearing all-black uniforms, in contrast to Charlotte’s (18-12) all-white, the Wolfpack looked to keep its non-conference domination going.
After keeping the game tied through three innings, the 49ers mounted a solid fourth inning and took advantage of defensive mistakes by the Wolfpack to secure a 4-2 win.
“[Charlotte] has the number one strength schedule in the country right now,” said head coach Lindsay Leftwich. “They’re seasoned and battle-tested, and we did a good job in that space.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Madison Inscoe started in the circle for NC State but struggled with consistency on the mound. Through three innings, Inscoe allowed three hits and two runs while recording two strikeouts. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Aisha Weixlmann took over after Inscoe, but she struggled too.
Charlotte started strong right off the bat, collecting a walk on Inscoe and then a triple two batters later to go up 1-0. With two outs, Inscoe got out of the inning with her first strikeout of the night. NC State responded with two runs of its own in the bottom of the first.
Junior right fielder Taylor Ensley stepped up to the plate for her first at-bat of the game and knocked a hit to 49er shortstop Teagan Ritchie who then bobbled the ball and failed to make the connection to first base. Ensley didn’t have to wait long to run more bases, though; Inscoe stepped up to the plate immediately after and rocketed a home run to center field to take a 2-1 lead.
“I think we drove more balls to the backside than we have all year, that’s a massive improvement,” Leftwich said. “We stacked a lot of good things that I think will show up in the game.”
Up 2-1, NC State held the momentum and used it to post a solid defensive performance through the second inning. The third inning saw another Charlotte run which tied the game up at 2-2, but the Pack got on base during its time on offense. Pop flies hurt the red-and-white throughout the night, and two runners were left on base and one in scoring position during the Wolfpack’s third inning.
In the fourth inning the 49ers took over. Two quick runs caused by out-fielding mistakes sent Charlotte to a 4-2 lead. NC State could not get any energy back into its plate appearances and finished the game striking out.
“I think we’ve proven that we can play with really good teams,” Leftwich said. “You just have to show up.”
This quick trip home won’t last long; the Pack will be on the road again this weekend. The red-and-white will travel to Tallahassee, Florida, to take on one of the toughest teams in America. First pitch against No. 18 Florida State is set for Thursday, March 28, at 6 p.m.
