Late Rally Not Enough as Softball Falls to #5 Blue Devils, 4-3

RALEIGH, N.C. – Despite a rally in the bottom of the seventh the NC State softball team fell to No. 5 Duke, 4-3, Friday evening at Dail Softball Stadium in game one of the series.

Sophomore MaKayla Marbury set a new single game program record after recording nine assists throughout the evening.

How it Happened

The Blue Devils struck first and took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second after a sacrifice fly allowed a runner to score.
It wasn't until the third inning that the Pack moved a runner into scoring position. Senior Kaylee Lambrecht recorded an infield single and later advanced to second after MaKayla Marbury singled to left field. The two were left stranded as the Blue Devils picked up the final out of the frame.
With two outs on the board in the top of the fourth, Francesca Frelick hit a solo home run to push Duke ahead 2-0.
It was none other than sophomore Amanda Hasler to get NC State on the board after a solo bomb to left field in the bottom of the bottom of the fourth. The homer was the 14th of the season and 24th of her career.
Duke added a third run to the board in the fifth after a single up the middle allowed a runner to get home. The Blue Devils maintained a 3-1 lead through the sixth inning.
In the top of the seventh Claire Davidson hit a solo home run to push the Blue Devils ahead 4-1.
Sophomore Ellie Goins led off the bottom of the seventh by striking out but reached first on a passed ball. Michele Tarpey would follow with a single up the middle. With one out and two on, Tori Ensley worked a full count before being thrown ball four to load the bases for Marbury, who would reach base on a fielder's choice – despite the effort to score, Goins would be tagged out at the plate. With two outs on the board and bases loaded, junior Taylor Ensley stepped into the batter's box. After hitting the first pitch thrown her way foul, she drilled a ball through the left side to bring two home and minimize the Blue Devils' lead to one. Hasler was the final batter of the evening for the Wolfpack and struck out swinging after falling behind 0-2 in the count.
Sophomore Rylee Wyman pitched all seven innings for the Pack and walked just three batters.
Six members of the Pack recorded a hit in the outing and Taylor Ensley led the way with two RBI's.
The Wolfpack moves to 27-20 overall, 3-16 in ACC play.

Next Up
The Pack will return to Dail Softball Stadium for game two of the series with the fifth-ranked Blue Devils. First pitch is scheduled for 2pm on ACC Network and the game is sold out.

Prior to the game, various program alumni will be honored, in addition to a special recognition of the program's inaugural 2004 team.

Late Rally Not Enough as Softball Falls to #5 Blue Devils, 4-3

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Team Stats

MaKayla Marbury

Taylor Ensley

Amanda Hasler

Madison Inscoe

Players Mentioned

Taylor Ensley

Tori Ensley

Ellie Goins

Amanda Hasler

Kaylee Lambrecht

MaKayla Marbury

Michele Tarpey

Rylee Wyman