Gore Dominates Pitchers’ Duel to Push Pack Past Illinois

Sunday, February 22

Raleigh, NC

11am

NC State

8-7

Illinois

5-9

Illinois

NC State

Gore Dominates Pitchers’ Duel to Push Pack Past Illinois

2/22/2026 2:55:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C. – Right-handed pitcher Wynne Gore dominated in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout in Sunday's 4-0 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini softball at Dail Softball Stadium.

The win improves the Pack to 8-7 on the season and keeps the Pack undefeated in the Raleigh Times Tournament.

Locked in a pitchers' duel through four scoreless innings, the Pack broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth. Freshman Morgen Talley sparked the rally with a solo home run to give NC State a 1-0 lead. After a fielding error by Illinois extended the inning, the Wolfpack capitalized.

Junior Sarah Johnson singled down the left-field line and used her speed on the base paths, stealing second before swiping home to double the lead. RBI singles from Kendall Simmers and Lily Livingston stretched the advantage to 4-0.

Gore's complete-game effort marked her first shutout of the season as she improved to 3-1 in the circle. She allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out a season-high five batters.

The Pack remains in Raleigh to continue its 21-game homestand with the Wolfpack Classic. NC State will host Toledo, Lehigh and Loyola Chicago beginning Friday, Feb. 28.