The NC State women’s basketball team has started off the regular season hot, winning its first four games by at least 20 points. The Wolfpack could look to climb its way into national rankings as it continues nonconference play this Monday when it visits Norfolk, Virginia, to take on the Old Dominion Monarchs.
It has been a balanced attack for NC State (4-0), with four players averaging over 10 points per game. Seniors Chelsea Nelson (14.3 ppg) and Akela Maize (12.5 ppg) lead the Wolfpack in scoring, with redshirt junior Kiara Leslie (10.3 ppg) and sophomore Lucky Rudd (11.3 ppg) rounding out the multi-level threat.
Both Nelson and Leslie accounted for double-doubles in the Wolfpack’s last victory over South Alabama Friday. Nelson and Leslie had 10 points in that game, and Leslie had a game-high 12 rebounds. Rebounding was the theme of the victory, as NC State out-rebounded South Alabama 63-36, including 29 offensive boards.
South Alabama stopped the Wolfpack’s three-game streak without trailing, when it went up 8-3 early in the first quarter but a free throw from sophomore Erika Cassel gave NC State a 17-16 lead late in the first, and the Pack never looked back.
Sophomore Aislinn Konig also shined against South Alabama, scoring 13 points with four assists as she recorded her second straight game with double-digit points. Konig shot 3 of 7 from behind the 3-point line, and has established herself as a deep threat to compliment the Wolfpack’s dominant rebounding.
The Monarchs have had a tougher start to their season, losing their first two games to Liberty and George Mason. Senior Ashley Jackson has been the best player, averaging 10.7 points per game to go along with four assists and 5.3 rebounds. Monarch freshman Victoria Morris has also been a bright spot in her first two games, as she is the only player besides Jackson who is averaging double-digit points.
Old Dominion faces a difficult road ahead as it hosts Duke and Richmond after its game against the Wolfpack.
Old Dominion will be the last game for the Wolfpack before it enters the Fort Lauderdale Tournament on Thursday. NC State is slated to go up against Alabama and South Dakota State in what will be its toughest test of the young season.
