NC State Faces Tough Test at UNCW

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RALEIGH, N.C. – The NC State women's soccer team looks to continue its run of form with a match against UNCW Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Wilmington, N.C. UNCW is currently receiving 28 votes in the latest NSCAA National Poll and enters the match undefeated with a 4-0-1 record.

The Pack comes into the match with a strong attacking unit. The team has scored eight goals and outshot its opponents, 36-12, in its last two matches.

Scouting the Seahawks:
UNCW is an experienced team with 13 upperclassmen. The Seahawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last year and have won double digit matches four of the last six seasons. The current team is undefeated and has outscored its opponents 18-3.

The Wolfpack and Seahawks share a pair of opponents. UNCW drew with High Point in an exhibition and tied Navy 2-2 (2OT). NC State recently picked up victories over both of those teams.

Overall, NC State is 5-0-0 against Wilmington with its last win coming from a 2-1 victory in 2014 at Dail Soccer Stadium.

From the Whistle:
NC State has struck quickly from the start and re-start of matches this season. The enhanced focus on the first 15 minutes of each period has paid off for the Pack with eight goals coming in the first 15' of the first or second half.

Corner Connections:
Jackie Stengel and Ricarda Walking have connected twice for goals off corner kicks this season. The first time came in the opening match against La Salle when Stengel directed Walkling's corner home to complete her hat trick. The second came just three minutes into the match against High Point when Stengel tapped in another solid corner from Walking to open the scoring.

The German Assist:
The Pack's two German players – Walkling and Kristina Schuster – have provided six of the Pack's 13 assists this season. Walkling leads the team with four assists – including two assists in the last two matches. Her four assists tie her for the ACC lead and tie her for fourth in the NCAA. Schuster has added a pair of assists off the right flank. She primarily plays right back, but has routinely gotten up the field to help in the deadly Wolfpack attack.

Pack Attack:
The NC State scoring offense has been paced by five multi-goal scorers. Three freshmen and a pair of upperclassmen have recorded at least two goals in the recent finishing frenzies.

Growing Up:
Just 15 days ago, NC State started the season with 11 freshmen yet to play in an official college match. The talented group has grown quickly and contributed immediately to the team's success. Five freshmen have started, while six have recorded either a goal or an assist. In total, the class has scored six goals and recorded 10 assists, making up for 53 percent of the team's offense.

Last Time Out:
NC State defeated regionally ranked and previously unbeaten High Point, 4-2 on Thursday night at Dail Soccer Stadium. Stengel scored her fourth goal of the season. Walkling added a goal and an assist, while Caylin Boch and Michaella van Maanen also scored goals for the Pack.

Follow Along:
Weather permitting, UNCW will carry a live stream of the match. Fans can also follow along with live stats and keep up with all the action through the PackWSoccer's Twitter and Instagram pages.

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Players Mentioned

Krissi Schuster

Jackie Stengel

Michaella van Maanen