NC State softball took a break from its tough ACC conference schedule for a midweek doubleheader against Queens University at Dail Softball Stadium in which the Pack showed out.
The Wolfpack (22-18) has struggled against those within its conference but continues to show up when it comes to playing non-conference games; so far this season it has gone 20-6 in games not against ACC teams. Queens (16-20) proved to be a good palate cleanser for the red-and-white, and the Pack got hot early.
Game one
NC State’s pitching got off to a quick start with a strong three up, three down in the top of the first inning, sending the Pack to the batter’s box with no sweat. Freshman left fielder Tori Ensley got the Wolfpack started with a single but made it to third off mistakes from the Queens’ catcher.
With a runner in scoring position, sophomore shortstop MaKayla Marbury homered down the left field line, including dinging the homerun pole, to drive two runs in. This wouldn’t be the only homer of the evening: The Wolfpack knocked five throughout the two games against the Lions. NC State got up 3-0 during the second inning after a double from junior first baseman Alaina Smith, who was soon brought home with a single from junior right fielder Taylor Ensley.
A new face entered the pitching circle for the red-and-white; freshman right-handed pitcher Kayla Fekel got the start on the mound and secured her fifth win. Tallying three strikeouts and only one run throughout 4.1 innings pitched, Fekel made a mark on the field before being taken out. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Rylee Wymann came in to close on the mound for NC State and shut out the Lions.
The third inning proved to be the Pack’s strongest. Junior third baseman Hannah Goodwin walked to first but quickly ran the bases following a home run from sophomore center fielder Ellie Goins, adding two more runs to the Pack’s scorecard. Though up 5-0, NC State didn’t take its foot off the gas and secured one more run before the end of the inning from senior second baseman Kaylee Lambrecht.
Queens got on the board at the top of the fourth inning off a home run, but the Pack responded with a run of its own. With a dominant 7-1 lead, NC State moved through the final innings with ease to secure the first win of the afternoon.
Game two
The second game began just 30 minutes later, and once again the Pack wasted no time getting on the scorecard. Marbury singled to left field and was soon run home after a double from sophomore catcher Amanda Hasler. With a runner on second base, Goodwin launched her fifth homer of the season to put NC State up 3-0.
A three up, three down at the top of the second inning sent the Pack back on the offense. Sisters Tori and Taylor Ensley both reached home plate off a home run from the latter, putting the red-and-white up 5-0. The final home run of the night came in the third inning from redshirt sophomore designated hitter Michelle Tarpey, bringing NC State to a 7-0 lead.
Wymann got the start in the circle for the second game of the series and let up only one run off five hits. After four innings she was replaced by redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Aisha Weixlmann who allowed one hit and threw five strikeouts through her time on the mound.
Queens’ only run of the game came at the top of the fourth inning but couldn’t build off the momentum. NC State scored once more to bring the final score to 8-1 and secured the doubleheader sweep.
The Wolfpack will travel to Charlottesville, Virginia to take on UVA in another ACC weekend series. The first pitch against the Cavaliers is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12.
