In this episode of Up the Coast, hosts Alex Powers and Britt dive into the latest happenings in ACC softball, highlighting key performances, team dynamics, and upcoming matchups. They discuss the standout players of the week, the intense series between Duke and Clemson, and the emerging talents from various teams. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by pitchers, the importance of clutch performances, and the overall competitiveness of the ACC this season.
Duke @ Clemson – Game 1 was all about Clemson's explosive offense vs Cassidy Curd, but both Duke & Curd responded on Day 2, with a strong performance in the cirlce. The bottom of the lineup with Jada Baker and Amiah Burgess showing off their big swings. Game 3 was a nail-biter, but Duke pulled it out to win the series behind Dani Drugmueller's arm.
NC State @ Georgia Tech – The Yellow Jackets clinched the series with tight wins in the first two games, while Gracyn Tucker and Reese Hunter came up clutch in dramatic moments. Georgia Tech’s pitching depth continues to shine, and we discuss the impressive walk-off streak they've got going.
Syracuse @ Stanford – Stanford took control with two strong wins early in the series, showcasing their offense and solid pitching. But Syracuse didn't go down without a fight, putting up a good battle, especially in Game 1.
Pittsburgh @ UNC – The Tar Heels took care of business, with Kenna Raye Dark and Britton Rogers leading the charge in the circle. We also discuss former Pitt infielder Kat Rodriguez going off with a monster performance against her former team.
Virginia @ Virginia Tech – A heated in-state rivalry saw Virginia Tech take the first two games, but Virginia bounced back with a solid Game 3 win, showing they’ve got the talent to compete with the best in the ACC.
Florida State Out West – The Seminoles had a mixed weekend in Oregon, picking up two wins but struggling against the University of Oregon’s pitching staff. Despite the losses, FSU’s pitching staff is starting to take shape.
Notre Dame/Louisville – Not the top teams in the ACC this season, but this series was an exciting one, with Louisville claiming the series win in a 14-inning thriller on Sunday.
Cal/BC – Cal sweeps Boston College with an array of pitching combinations. BC’s star pitcher Abby Dunning makes an appearance since being out for over a month.
We also dive into key takeaways from each series and discuss the implications of these results on the ACC standings and NCAA hopes. Don't miss the deep dive into the weekend's biggest performances, emerging storylines, and what’s next for these teams as conference play heats up!
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