NC State softball traveled to Mewborn Field in Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech in a weekend series. Despite coming into the weekend on a three-game winning streak, the Pack (15-10, 0-3 ACC) fell hard in its matchups against the Yellow Jackets (15-9, 4-2 ACC), losing both games on Saturday and Sunday.
Game 2: Georgia Tech 5, NC State 4
On Saturday, NC State narrowly fell to Georgia Tech, 5-4, following a dramatic seventh-inning comeback by the home team.
The Wolfpack initiated the scoring in the second inning when junior second baseman Teagan Thrunk singled to left field. Graduate designated hitter Payden Bordeau then delivered a powerful two-run homer to left center, giving NC State an early 2-0 advantage.
Georgia Tech responded in the bottom of the second. Catcher Reese Hunter’s single to right field allowed third baseman Gracyn Tucker, who had reached on a single, to score, narrowing the gap to 2-1.
The Yellow Jackets leveled the score in the fifth inning. Designated hitter Jayden Gailey singled to left field to bring home right fielder Eliana Gottlieb, making it 2-2. The Wolfpack quickly reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning.
Bordeau hit her second home run of the game, a two-run shot to right center, also bringing in freshman pinch runner Kamryn Munson. Bordeau’s second of the game put NC State ahead 4-2.
However, the Yellow Jackets mounted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh. A series of hits loaded the bases, setting the stage for Hunter. She delivered a walk-off single to right field, driving in two runs and securing a 5-4 victory for Georgia Tech.
On the mound, NC State’s junior pitcher Wynne Gore started strong, pitching 4.1 innings and allowing two runs — none earned — on six hits. Junior pitcher Madison Inscoe was charged with the loss after facing two batters in the seventh inning. For Georgia Tech, pitcher Makayla Coffield earned the win, pitching the final inning without allowing a run.
Offensively, NC State’s Thrunk had an impressive performance, going 3-for-4 at the plate. Bordeau’s two home runs accounted for all four of the Wolfpack’s RBIs. For Georgia Tech, Hunter was instrumental, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including the game-winning hit.
Game 3: Georgia Tech 11, NC State 3
In Game 3, Georgia Tech struck first in the opening inning. Second baseman Grace Connelly delivered a double to left center, driving in Gottlieb, who had reached base on a walk, giving the Yellow Jackets an early 1-0 lead.
NC State responded in the third inning. After senior right fielder Taylor Ensley reached on a walk and freshman shortstop Kendall Simmers advanced on an error, junior catcher Hannah Church launched a three-run homer to center field. This blast put the Wolfpack ahead 3-1.
Georgia Tech’s offense erupted in its half of the inning, reclaiming the lead and seizing control of the game. The Yellow Jackets capitalized on a combination of hits, walks and defensive miscues by the Wolfpack to plate multiple runs, shifting the momentum firmly in their favor.
The Yellow Jackets tacked on four more runs in the fourth courtesy of a two-run single and two-run homer from first baseman Addison Leschber and Hunter.
The game concluded after five innings due to the NCAA’s run rule, with Georgia Tech securing an 11-3 victory. This win completed a series sweep over NC State, dropping the Wolfpack’s overall record to 15-10 and 0-3 in ACC play.
NC State will aim to rebound as it returns home to face East Carolina on Tuesday at Dail Softball Stadium in Raleigh. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ACCNX.
