The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/141892
Sophomore shortstop Trea Turner, who earned All-America honors for the second straight season, helped lead the Pack to the first 50-win season in school history. NC State started the year 16-9, but then went on to post a final record of 50-16. photo by ken martin and a chance to win. The end came two days later in an elimination game against the Tar Heels. Starting on three days' rest, Rodon retired 11 of the first 13 men he faced, striking out six of them, but ultimately wore down and allowed single runs in the fourth and fifth before departing. UNC went on to win 7-0. If the CWS came to a disappointing end- ing, the Wolfpack's final résumé was impressive: the first 50-win season (50-16) in school history, a 6-2 record in the NCAA Tournament and an 8-3 mark in all postseason games (including the ACC Championship), both of which are school records. In addition, Rodon and shortstop Trea Turner became the sixth and seventh two-time AllAmericans in school history. "I know what we accomplished this year," Avent said. "It was a great year. I don't think a team could have played better than we did the last 30 to 40 games. This team has a legacy that probably separates it from any team I've ever had because of what they had to overcome to do what they did. This team is on a pedestal all by itself for my record book." ■ The Best Of The Restw 1. Softball — The Wolfpack finished 35-20-1 (13-7 ACC) en route to an ACC championship, the school's second, and an appearance in an NCAA regional title game, a first for the program. The squad also set the program standard for fewest losses in a season and went 9-2 against in-state competition, including a series victory over North Carolina. 2. Men's Swimming and Diving — A total of 46 all-time top-10 swims were recorded by the Pack this winter, and two individuals won ACC gold medals, while the 400 freestyle relay also finished first in the league. At the NCAA Championships, the team finished 15th and eight athletes earned All-America laurels, including five who received multiple accolades. 3. Gymnastics — NCSU won the EAGL crown after claiming two gold medals at the championship meet — in the uneven bars and floor exercise — and went on to its 25th NCAA regional appearance, where the it placed fifth. 4.Volleyball — The Wolfpack reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987 and finished 22-10 overall and 12-8 in the ACC.That marked the most wins since 1983 and set a school record for conference victories. The Pack was also able to win the first NCAA Championships set in program history before falling to Texas A&M. 5. Men's Basketball — NC State came into the year with high expectations, and while the team didn't live up to its No. 5 ranking in the preseason national polls, it was still a solid year. The Pack finished at 24-11, which tied for its highest win total in 30 years and included 11 ACC victories, and also nabbed a second consecutive bid to the NCAA Tournament. Senior outfielder Caitlin Dent and the Wolfpack softball team won the ACC championship, advanced to an NCAA regional title game and finished with an overall record of 35-20-1 in 2013. photo by larry blankenship 130 ■ the wolfpacker 128-130.Team of the Year.indd 130 7/1/13 10:14 AM