After the team’s run in the ACC Tournament, deputy sports editor Josh Harrell talks with coach Lisa Navas on the season and her team’s future

Past:

Though the season did not measure up to coach Lisa Navas’ earlier success with N.C. State’s softball team, the Wolfpack

did make a run in the ACC Tournament, including an upset of the highly ranked UNC team, before losing in the final to Virginia Tech.

“The fact that we ended the season strong with the run in the ACC Tournament is a good sign for things to come,” Navas said.

State loses a lot of talent with the graduation of this year’s senior class. The class was part of Navas’ core group of players that helped establish the Pack as a force in the ACC. Stars like shortstop Shanna Smith and center fielder Blair Harkey will be sorely missed.

“It’s tough to lose one of the best shortstops in the country, and Blair was such an anchor in centerfield,” Navas said. “Ashleigh Davis really came on in her senior year, and Lisa [Nentwig] has always been one of our top kids. It’s tough to replace those people.”

Present:

The Pack’s season is over now after being left at home by the NCAA selection committee. The team watched the selection show, but now feels more motivated because of the disappointment.

“It hurts a lot–we all have a bad taste in our mouths because of it,”Navas said. “The younger players learned that they’ll have to do more to get in the position we were the past few years.”

Despite the loss of the strong senior class, the team still retains plenty of talent. Alyssa Allbritten won conference freshman of the year while leading the league in doubles and slugging percentage. And the Pack’s two top pitchers, Mendy McKenzie, junior, and Lindsay Campana, sophomore, are both still with the team.

“The younger kids learned a lot this year and will be stronger next year because of it,” Navas said.

Future:

With a new stadium and a budding softball team under her wings, Navas will look to move the Wolfpack to its next stage after establishing the program among the conference’s strongest. After pulling a number of her recruits from the West Coast, Navas now has extra help in luring the nation’s top prospects. With a brand new facility–which may play host to next year’s ACC Tournament–and a proof of program success–Navas hopes to continue to build her team.

“Great facilities and a chance at having the ACC Tournament here definitely helps with recruiting,” Navas said.

With players like Allbritten and a consistent pitching staff to build around, Navas will look to reclaim the conference next season.