The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1190316
JANUARY 2020 ■ 69 supplied the power with team highs of 16 home runs and 45 runs batted in last year, plus a .291 batting average, which ranked second. Nordberg had played against St. Fran- cis (Pa.), where Patrick-Swift previously coached, and got to see the home-run phi- losophy in person while with the Terrapins. "She definitely was leading the charge in changing the mindset and culture of- fensively," Patrick-Swift said. "She was the leader in terms of culture and she also got it done in the box." Nordberg also gets help from junior third baseman Logan Morris, who hit 12 homers with 30 RBI and a .263 batting average. Morris transferred in from South Carolina Upstate, and another former transfer, Ari- zona State's Randi Farricker, a redshirt ju- nior first baseman who hit .242 in 39 games last year, could be in line for a breakout season after breaking her wrist last year. "[Morris] really seemed to blossom, this fall especially," Patrick-Swift said. "She was the one who consistently got in the box and drove it hard and drove it far. That was exciting to see. "Randi has also been consistent this fall. She was coming into her own. Whether it was scrimmages or games [this fall], she found a way to hit it hard and put it in play." NC State will start its season Feb. 7-9 in Clearwater, Fla., playing against Min- nesota, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Missouri State and Mississippi State in the NFCA Leadoff Classic. A few starting positions are open and Patrick-Swift will chose among three starting pitchers — senior Devin Wallace, sophomore Sydney Nester and freshman Newcomer To Watch Freshman Sam Gress The rookie from Harrisburg, Pa., has the abil- ity to pitch or play in the field for the Wolfpack. The righty from Central Dauphin High gave up one earned run in 51 2/3 innings her sophomore year, and was named a PennLive All-Area All-Star her junior campaign. Gress saved her best for last when she went 12-1 with 130 strikeouts in leading her team to the PIAA Class 6A championship. She also scored more than 1,000 points in basketball. ■ By The Numbers .411 Slugging percentage for the team last year, which reflects the Wolfpack's gusto to hit home runs. The Wolfpack hit .230 from the plate. 8 Seed for NC State in the ACC Tournament last year, with the Pack topping Syracuse and upsetting No. 1-seeded Virginia Tech, before falling to UNC. 49 Stolen bases in 50 attempts for junior out- fielder Sam Russ in her career. She stole 17 straight bases her freshman campaign and was 32 of 33 last year. GREGORY D. MILLER, CPA SANDRA A. MILLER, CPA REBECCA A. RHODES, CPA Serving the accounting needs of small businesses and individuals throughout Southeastern North Carolina since 1993. • Tax Planning and Prepara on • Accoun ng and Audi ng Services • Small Business Consul ng Wilmington, NC 265 Racine Drive 910-452-5260 Burgaw, NC 105 East Fremont Street 910-259-4644 www.millercocpas.com We're Pack Proud!