While the winter sports season is still in full swing, it’s never too early to look ahead and see what NC State athletics has to offer in the spring season. From baseball to tennis, there’s something for every Wolfpack fan to enjoy when winter turns into spring.
No. 9 women’s tennis vs. No. 1 UNC-Chapel Hill — March 22, 2024
Last year’s women’s tennis season was nothing short of exceptional. After winning the program’s first ACC Championship and making it all the way to the NCAA Finals, this year’s team has some large shoes to fill, and the Tar Heels look to steal the spotlight once again.
After falling to the in-state rival in the national championship, the Pack will come into this matchup with revenge on its mind. Despite beating the Tar Heels 4-1 in the ACC Championship, it was unable to recreate that success in the national championship.
With the home crowd cheering them on, the Wolfpack hopes to rally and push the bitter taste of last season to the back of their mind. Some exceptional talent is returning to the Pack this season, including No. 3 senior Amelia Rajecki, No. 19 senior Sophie Abrams and a doubles team ranked No. 7 including Rajecki and freshman Maddy Zampardo.
No. 21 men’s tennis vs. No. 12 Columbia — Feb. 4, 2024
Despite going 9-3 in ACC play last year, the NC State men’s tennis team was mediocre in the long-range of the season, finishing 15-10. The team had a strong non-conference schedule last year and this season is no different, with the Pack looking to take on No. 10 Harvard and No. 12 Columbia.
The matchup against the Lions is the only home match against either of those teams, and it should be a good one for all Wolfpack fans. There aren’t any players from NC State ranked in the Top 50, but a doubles team made up of junior Joseph Wayand and sophomore Martin Borisiouk rank at No. 13 nationally.
NC State has a few tough matchups lined up before this showdown, and the extra practice will be needed. The Lions went 20-4 last season with dramatic wins over ranked opponents. If the Wolfpack can surprise this powerhouse, there will be no denying that NC State men’s tennis is here to fight for its rankings.
Baseball vs. Duke — March 22-24, 2023
The ACC is known as a baseball conference when the spring comes, and that’s represented in the Perfect Game’s preseason rankings. Six ACC teams have made the list of 25, with NC State coming in at No. 19.
Many of the Pack’s in-state rivals have made the cut as well — including UNC-Chapel Hill and Wake Forest — but the Pack has not dominated over another ACC baseball team quite like the Blue Devils. Coming in at No. 23 in the PG’s rankings, this year’s series between the two teams could be one of the best yet.
Holding a 57-28 record against Duke — including an 11-inning thriller in the ACC Championship tournament last year — NC State has the high ground in this rivalry and will look to keep it this spring. Hosting the Blue Devils at Doak Field toward the beginning of the season will allow fans to see how impressive this team can be. The Pack9 features six transfers coming into the program this past fall, with three listed in D1 Baseball’s Top 130 2024 Transfers list.
Olympics watch
While these events might not be taking place on campus, some NC State athletes could be traveling all across the country or the world looking to represent their home on the Olympic teams.
Two members of NC State’s wrestling team have qualified for the Team USA Wrestling selection trials taking place from April 19-20 at Penn State. Redshirt senior Trent Hidlay qualified in the 86 kg group as the 2023 Bill Farrell Champion and redshirt sophomore Isaac Trumble qualified when he won the 2023 U23 Championships.
One NC State swimmer has qualified so far for the swimming trials held from June 15-23 in Indianapolis — junior Arsenio Bustos. With a time of 49.75 in the men’s 100 freestyle, Bustos will be going up against some tough competitors to clench a coveted spot on Team USA.
