N.C. State Overcomes Injuries to Reach NCAA Super Regional…
Logan Whitaker started on the mound for N.C. State on Sunday, and outfielder Noah Soles ended the game with a ninth-inning home run, marking a fitting culmination of their season. Both seniors had been sidelined by injuries but returned to play crucial roles in the team’s late-season resurgence, leading to a spot in the NCAA Super Regional.
With a 5-3 victory over James Madison, the Wolfpack completed their sweep of the NCAA Raleigh Regional, also defeating Bryant and South Carolina. N.C. State’s coach, Elliott Avent, praised the passionate home crowd at Doak Field.
The Wolfpack (36-20) will next face Georgia (42-15), the No. 7 national seed, in a best-of-three Super Regional in Athens, Georgia. This marks Georgia’s first Super Regional appearance since 2008, when they also faced N.C. State. The Wolfpack faced numerous challenges this season, losing key players like pitcher Matt Willadsen and outfielder Josh Hogue to injuries. Whitaker’s return from illness and Soles’ comeback from ankle surgery have been pivotal, strengthening the team’s lineup.
Whitaker emphasized the importance of how the season finished rather than how it started. Soles’ ninth-inning homer on Sunday was a key moment, giving N.C. State a 5-3 lead and electrifying the fans. Earlier, Soles had been reprimanded for an excessive bat flip, but he was more restrained on Sunday. The team’s success is a blend of recruits, transfers, and experienced players, including those who endured the COVID-19 pandemic. Sophomore pitcher Smith has also emerged as a crucial closer this season.
Alec Makarewicz, named the regional’s most outstanding player, transferred from East Carolina and has made significant contributions, including hitting .383 with 22 homers. Despite some struggles, his performance against James Madison helped secure the regional win. The Wolfpack is now two wins away from the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, but must first overcome Georgia, who are 32-5 at home this season. Georgia’s standout player, Charlie Condon, was the SEC player of the year and is a top MLB Draft prospect. Despite the season’s challenges, Avent is confident in his team’s resilience and unity. “We got there,” he said, reflecting on their journey.
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