The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/98466
some people might say that's kind of scary, but I think it's kind of good because we'll really be able to build the team around each other — the new system, the new way that we're doing things," he said. "As far as numbers, we're getting almost twice as many reps out on the field as we normally would with a 22- to 24-person roster. The girls are getting better every single day because they're getting twice as much work as they would if we really had a full roster. It's something that I look at as a positive. "I've seen our kids on their best days. If we can get close to that every day, we're going to be pretty good. We'll learn from our losses and try to get better. We've got our work cut out for us, but I think the girls are on board." ■ ■ Key Players To Watch Sophomore Renada Davis, SS In 2012, Davis became the second ACC Rookie of the Year in program history after setting school records in batting average (.362) and on-base percentage (.450). She ranked in the ACC's top 10 in both categories, in addition to hits, and should move into the leadoff role in the batting order this season. Sophomore Emily Weiman, RHP Last year, the righty led the Pack in wins (14), appearances (38), innings pitched (2081/3), ERA (2.65) and strikeouts (210), and head coach Shawn Rychcik noted that she made big strides throughout the summer and fall. The coach expects her to easily eclipse the 200-inning mark, and said she has put in the work to handle that amount. Senior Bethaney Wells, OF The outfielder smashed a team-best 11 home runs last season, and also led the team with 39 RBI, which ranked fifth in the ACC. Her slugging percentage of .567 ranked fourth in the league, while she was equally impressive in the field, committing just three errors. Last season, sophomore shortstop Renada Davis became the second ACC Rookie of the Year in program history after setting school records in batting average (.362) and on-base percentage (.450). photo by ken martin Key Dates To Watch Wolfpack Challenge, March 1-3 — A wide array of teams will take part in the Challenge, including Stony Brook, Kansas, North Carolina A&T and Lafayette. It marks the first home games and kicks off a nine-game home stand for the Pack that runs until the conclusion of a three-game set with Florida State March 10. Vs. North Carolina, April 13-14 — Saturday features a doubleheader and serves as Senior Day for the three athletes in their last year of eligibility. The series concludes with a single game the following day. ACC Tournament, May 10-12, Tallahassee, Fla. — The Wolfpack has not won a game at the conference tournament since 2008, when the team reached the championship game. Head coach Shawn Rychcik is focused on changing that, and then helping State find success in the NCAA Tournament. Noting The Pack • The team features three seniors, four juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen. • Rychcik is the all-time winningest coach at Boston University, where he coached the only two 40-win teams in the program's history. His career record was 271-159, including a sparkling 114-40 ledger against the American East Conference. The Terriers finished first or second in the regular-season standings in seven of his eight seasons as the head coach, winning four regular-season crowns and a trio of tournament championships. Newcomer To Watch Freshman Hanna Sommer, 1B The native of Tustin, Calif., was ranked the No. 37 overall prospect in last year's senior class by ESPN, and she flashed some impressive hitting in the fall. She combines with Bethaney Wells to give the Pack an impressive middle of the order. By The Numbers .362 6 12 Shortstop Renada Davis' batting average last year, which set a school record and ranked second in the ACC. Wins against just one loss in the fall season for NC State. year. Opponents on the 2013 schedule that qualified for the NCAA Tournament last 56 ■ the wolfpacker 54,56.Softball Preview.indd 56 12/11/12 2:52 PM