North Carolina State University Athletics
Softball to Host Spartans in Dail Stadium Opening
2/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State will play its first-ever game at the Curtis & Jacqueline Dail Softball Stadium against UNC Greensboro tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a free commemorative t-shirt, and various promotions will run throughout the day. Free parking is available in the parking deck on Cates Ave. Please be advised that patrons that park in the pay lot on the bottom level of the deck WILL be charged.
Stadium namesake Jacqueline Dail will throw out the first pitch.
In the event of harsh and/or uncomfortable weather, the second game may be cancelled. The 3 p.m. game, however, will be played.
The Pack enters the affair with a 6-8 record, having split its previous four games at the Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C. over the past weekend. On a team making the most of its underclassmen, freshmen Alyssa Allbritten and Alyssa Ishibashi have both looked especially impressive thus far. Allbritten leads the team in both batting average (.406) and RBIs (10), while collecting 13 hits across 14 contests. Ishibashi, who has eight RBIs of her own, has helped out tremendously on defense, playing both second and third base.
Seniors Ashleigh Davis and Shanna Smith have been playing large roles as well. Davis has made a huge impact in the lineup since sliding up in the order, arguably playing the best softball of her four-year career during the recent stretch. Over the past weekend she collected five hits, three runs scored and an RBI. A 2007 first-team all-conference selection, Smith has continued to play with the consistency that has become her trademark. She leads the team in hits (14), runs (15), home runs (2), on-base percentage (.463), walks (10) and stolen bases (5).
The Spartans will arrive in Raleigh with a 7-6 record. Mary Greenway boasts 19 hits and a .413 batting clip. Kaitlin Merkt leads UNCG in RBIs with five, despite hitting just .194. Amber Harrell has tossed the majority of the innings (51.0) for UNC Greensboro, en route to amassing a 1.92 ERA. She has allowed 17 runs, 14 of which were earned. The Spartans have won four of their last five games.
State leads the all-time series between the two programs, 7-1. Last year the Pack won both games of a doubleheader against the Spartans in Greensboro (7-1, 11-1). Former Wolfpack hurler and All-America Abbie Sims was one strike away from picking up a no-hitter in the second game, but Kara Clouser sent a solo shot over the wall in center.
The Dail Softball Stadium is situated across from historic Reynolds Coliseum on the corner of Cates Ave. and Morrill Dr. on the NC State campus. The ballpark features a lengthy and spacious concourse with concessions, ample rest rooms, multiple ticket booths and storage rooms. The press box features comfortable accommodations for working media and game day staff, as well as high-speed wireless internet access.
The outfield playing surface is comprised of 419 Bermuda grass, with perennial rye grass used for overseeding purposes. The outfield fence measures 200 feet to left, center and right field, and an operating line score scoreboard sits beyond the fence in right field, supplying scores and statistical information to fans in attendance. Stadium lights surround the yard, allowing for games to be played at all hours.
The ballpark is named in honor of Wolfpack Club boosters Curtis & Jacqueline Dail. With a lengthy history of supporting NC State athletics, the Dails have several other facilities named in their honor; including Doak Field at Dail Park (baseball), Dail Basketball Center (men's basketball), Dail Outdoor Practice Facility (football), the Dail Club at Vaughn Towers (football) and the Curtis & Jacqueline Dail Outdoor Tennis Stadium (men's and women's tennis).
Prior to the opening of Dail Stadium, the Wolfpack played its home games at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex. Operated by the city of Raleigh, State used the facility from 2004-07, posting a record of 44-18.
