The NC State softball team has enjoyed a successful season at the plate led by sophomore outfielder Tyler Ross who is in the midst of a breakout year for the Pack.
Ross saw action in only 37 of the team’s 54 games and garnered 12 starts her freshman year at State but showed potential to be a great hitter amassing a .269 batting average and four home runs. She also showed a knack for knocking runners in, tallying 12 RBIs on the year as well.
The talented North Carolina native has picked up where she left off a year ago and has proven she can be a more than effective weapon at the plate in her sophomore season. Starting in the outfield for the Pack in every contest this season, Ross has improved and turned potential into production.
“From last year to this year I would have to say my batting [is the biggest improvement],” Ross said. “This year I have seen the ball a lot better, and in the offseason, I know I worked a lot harder on being able to help my team out at the plate.”
Ross boasts an impressive .305 batting average this year, which is currently second on the team. She also leads the team in RBIs with 38 and is tied for second with nine home runs. She has proven to be a huge threat on the base paths, notching seven steals on the year.
“[Stealing bases] is something that I really pride myself on,” Ross said. “I know coming in as a freshman last year that coach wanted to steal me some, and I wasn’t able to—but this year I have worked a lot harder on it, so it is a good contribution.”
The powerful sophomore hitter attributes her success this year on the field to the hard work she put in during the offseason, especially for her home run numbers.
“I would have to say that goes along with working harder at the things I need to do,” Ross said. “Hitting home runs—it’s fun.”
Despite her own lofty numbers, Ross is focused on team success first. The Pack has been able to put together an impressive season so far, currently holding a 25-16 record with impressive wins over the No. 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the eighth-ranked Florida State Seminoles and many other tough conference foes.
“So far this year we have come out at various times,” Ross said. “I think that we have room for improvement going into our last few games in the ACC and as we work toward the postseason.”
Senior shortstop Renada Davis and senior pitcher Emily Weiman also provide some firepower for the Wolfpack, and teamed with the strong bat of Ross, it is focused on closing out the season strong and delivering an impressive postseason finish.
“I think that our remaining goals to end the season are to win the last two series—we go to Alabama tomorrow, we hopefully win that game and then go far in the postseason,” Ross said.
