The NC State softball team is set to compete against No. 20/19 Stanford in California for their sixth conference series, marking their first trip to the state since 2017. The three-game series starts Friday at 9 PM EDT, with subsequent games on Saturday and Sunday. Historically, Stanford has won both previous matchups against NC State, outscoring them 24-10. This series is significant as it represents an opportunity for NC State to secure their first win over a ranked opponent this season.

By the Numbers
  • NC State has previously lost both encounters against Stanford, with a score margin of 24-10.
  • Morgan Talley had a remarkable week with a .500 batting average, 13 RBIs, and struck out 14 batters over 11 innings.
Yes, But

Despite their challenging track record against Stanford, the Wolfpack's recent strong performances, especially by freshman Morgen Talley, indicate they could disrupt the previous outcomes and potentially achieve their milestone wins.

State of Play
  • NC State is coming off a series of strong performances, including Talley's two grand slams against Cal.
  • This series will be NC State's first against Stanford since the latter joined the ACC, adding another layer of rivalry.
What's Next

If NC State secures a win in this series, they will not only achieve their first victory over Stanford but also enhance their position in the conference standings, with implications for postseason qualification.

Bottom Line

The NC State Wolfpack faces a pivotal challenge against Stanford, as a series win would mark a historic milestone for the program. Their recent strong performances, particularly by Talley, position them as serious contenders for an upset.