Up the Coast w/ Alex & Britt

The final week of the regular season is here, and the ACC is delivering chaos, clarity, and a whole lot of offense. Alex & Britt hand out their end of the awards! Florida State continues to make a loud postseason statement with a series win over Georgia Tech and a midweek victory over Florida. Isa Torres is on an unreal tear—homering at will, hitting over .500, and putting herself firmly in the National Player of the Year conversation. We break down her dominance, Jazzy Francik’s historic no-hitter, and why this FSU team is peaking at exactly the right time. Plus, don’t overlook the impact of Ashtyn Danley and the consistency up and down this lineup. Georgia Tech showed fight, pushing FSU to extras and getting big-time performances from players like Gracyn Tucker and Madalyn Johnson. What does this mean for their trajectory heading into the postseason?Duke and Clemson gave us one of the wildest series of the weekend—offense exploding, pitching depth tested, and momentum swinging every game. Duke’s lineup is red-hot, led by Tyrina Jones’ record-breaking season and Jess Oakland’s recent surge, while Clemson continues to be one of the most unpredictable teams in the country. So which version of the Tigers can show up when it matters most?Virginia Tech walks it off against UNC in a thriller, sweeps the series, but there are real questions emerging. The Hokies can mash, but is their recent stretch—losing 3 of 4— coming into the series really diminished their hosting chances. Can the pitching staff get back on track?! Meanwhile, UNC’s historic offense continues to shine behind Emily Legette, but pitching struggles and a tough RPI spot leave their postseason hopes hanging in the balance.Louisville is quietly surging at the right time, sweeping Syracuse and jumping into the Top 25 with one of the most dynamic small-ball offenses in the country.And keep an eye on Virginia—freshman Taylor Smith throws a no-hitter and could be a key piece as they look to reset after a tough April. We also dive into major midweek implications, RPI shifts, hosting scenarios, and what teams need to do in this final stretch to solidify their postseason position. It’s crunch time in the ACC—and everything is still on the table.

ACC Softball Week 11: Upsets, Sweeps, and Offense!The ACC race is heating up, and this weekend delivered everything—dominant sweeps, statement series wins, and some serious postseason implications. With **Duke (13 RPI), Florida State (15), and Stanford (16)** leading the charge, the gap between contenders and the rest is starting to take shape as teams lock in spots for the ACC Championship.We break down the seven teams that have already clinched—Duke, FSU, Stanford, Louisville, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Virginia—and what that means heading into the final stretch.**Weekend Rundown:**Florida State responds well with a sweep over UNC, holding the ACC’s top offense to just seven total runs while their own lineup stays scorching hot. Isa Torres continues to be unreal, while Emily Legette is rewriting the UNC record books despite the Tar Heels’ struggles in the circle.Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech deliver one of the most intriguing series of the weekend—Tech takes Game 1 via run rule, but Georgia Tech responds with a huge series win in Blacksburg, their first there since 2011 and the highest-ranked series win in program history.Clemson handles business with a sweep over Virginia, powered by Macey Cintron’s arm and bat. Sierra Maness continues to hold it down the circle. Most consistent series from Clemson all year? Meanwhile UVA did not look sharp in the circle or the box.Duke stays red-hot with a sweep of Boston College (plus a midweek win over Tennessee), showcasing elite power up and down the lineup.Meanwhile, Louisville absolutely steamrolls Pitt, outscoring them 33-3 in a run-rule sweep and continuing to lead the nation in triples.**Big Picture Notes:**– FSU slows down the most productive offense in the ACC– Louisville’s speed and extra-base power are unmatched– Multiple ACC teams ranking top 10 nationally in triples– Depth in the circle becoming a defining factor as postseason nears**BS or No BS:**– Scheduling late games to get above .500 👀– Pitching depth wins in the postseason– Being ranked #1 is actually a curse 😅We’ve got takes, trends, and plenty of chaos—tap in as the ACC race hits another level.

This week, we’re breaking down a major power shift in the conference as Duke climbs to #1, followed by Florida State, Virginia Tech, and a surging Stanford team that just made a loud statement.We dive into: Stanford’s HUGE weekend — a combined no-hitter, a sweep of Florida State, and a team that finally looks healthy, complete, and dangerous. Is this the version of Stanford that can run the table the rest of the way?Florida State’s reality check — not all losses are created equal. Why this sweep says more about Stanford’s rise than FSU’s fall, plus the matchup issues (hello left-handed hitters 👀) that exposed some real concerns.Virginia Tech vs. FSU hosting debate — Should the Hokies be ahead based on ranked wins and road success? Or do “bad losses” still matter more than big wins in the committee room?Duke’s dominance — 12 home runs, elite offensive production, and a team that’s gone from 9–9 to the top of the ACC. Are they officially a title contender?Postseason is nearing: who’s in, who’s out, who can control their own destiny, who has work to do and why every remaining series mattersPlus: Injury concerns at VirginiaUNC showing flashes despite inconsistencyClemson making line up adjustmentsPitt making noiseAnd is Stanford finally what Britt thought they were going to be?We close with some big-picture takes on postseason resumes, why the committee values bad losses more than good wins, and one thing we NEED in college softball… rivalry trophies 🏆

This week on the pod, we’re diving into one of the most telling weekends of ACC softball yet—and what the numbers (and film 👀) are revealing about the teams separating themselves down the stretch.We start with a bigger-picture takeaway: the evolution of the game. From high-leverage arms like Jazzy Francik, Cassidy Curd, and Gwen Sparks getting it done in short outings, to why “less is more” might be the new pitching model in college softball.Then it’s time to talk about the hottest team in the country—Florida State. The Noles extend their win streak to 24 straight, remain the only undefeated team in Power 4 conference play, and continue to dominate with elite offensive depth and lockdown defense. We break down what’s clicking, the emergence of their pitching staff, and why this team looks like a true title contender.Over in Durham… OK Duke 👀. Duke sweeps Virginia and shows off serious depth—rotating 14+ players and multiple arms each game. Did they just find their pitching answer in KK Mathis?! And is Cassidy Curd settling into the closer role at the perfect time?On the flip side, we unpack Virginia’s pitching decisions and what continues to hold them back despite a strong season—and why their upcoming series against Virginia Tech could define hosting hopes for possibly BOTH teams.Speaking of the Hokies, we break down their series win over Clemson, their offensive firepower (every starter over .300 🤯), and why their ability to adjust mid-game stands out. But with just two primary arms, can they hold up in the postseason?Plus:– Clemson’s question: can they win without Sierra Maness in the circle?– Louisville making noise (and Chelsea Mack being an absolute nightmare on the bases)– Stanford getting a key arm back just in time for FSU 👀 – UNC, Georgia Tech, and the ever-chaotic bubble watchAnd of course… we close it out with a little BS or NO BS: Should extra-inning Game 3s go to an international tiebreaker, if there is a drop dead time? Adding a new play/situation to the video review list?! Numbers, film, big takes, and a whole lot of softball—let’s get into it. 🥎🔥

This week, we dive headfirst into the postseason picture with some telling bracketology trends—what it really takes to make the NCAA Tournament, host a regional, and why RPI might still rule everything.Then it’s all about the ACC’s hottest team: Florida State is on an absolute tear. The Seminoles extend the nation’s longest winning streak to 21, sweep Clemson, and look like a legitimate Top 8 seed. We break down what’s clicking—from their elite defense to the dominance of Isa Torres, who is putting together one of the best offensive seasons we’ve ever seen.On the flip side, Clemson shows flashes but continues to battle inconsistency, especially in the circle. Is pitching depth the biggest issue in the sport right now?We also unpack one of the wildest series of the season—Duke vs. Stanford. A 17-14 game, eight home runs, and a six-run comeback capped by a walk-off bomb? Yeah… we’ve got a lot to say. Plus, is Duke’s offense good enough to carry them into a hosting spot?Virginia continues to win—but the real test starts now. Virginia Tech is quietly dominating (are they the clear No. 2 in the ACC?), and Louisville proves once again they might be the scrappiest team in the country.We’ve also got concerns about North Carolina, big questions for Georgia Tech, and what feels like a make-or-break stretch ahead for several teams.To close it out: BS or No BS (color rush uniforms, drop-dead time drama, and more), shoutouts to Lonni Alameda’s 1,000th win and other major milestones, plus our weekend Pick ‘Em slate.Buckle up—things are starting to separate in the ACC, and the road to postseason is getting real.

Florida State is on an absolute tear, and we’re breaking down why the Seminoles might be the hottest team in the country. From a dominant sweep of Cal to historic numbers from Isa Torres—seriously, what she’s doing at the plate doesn’t even feel real—we dive into the stars, the streaks, and the depth powering FSU’s 17-game win streak. Then… Duke vs. Georgia Tech delivered CHAOS. We’re talking 9 home runs in one game, extra innings drama, and two one-run thrillers. Is Duke starting to figure it out? And how close is Georgia Tech to breaking through into that next tier? Clemson takes the series over Notre Dame… but not without some serious questions. A run-rule loss sandwiched between two complete-game wins? Yeah, we’re trying to figure out if Clemson is the most confusing team in college softball right now. Stanford stuns UNC with a sweep in Chapel Hill, and we’ve got thoughts—on pitching struggles, postseason concerns, and one of the wildest substitution sequences you’ll ever hear about. Plus, Virginia Tech handles business at home, big-time individual performances across the ACC, milestone moments, and what to watch for in a loaded week ahead.

ACC play is heating up—and this week delivered everything: statement wins, tight series, rising stars, and a few questions that still need answers.On this episode, Alex Powers and Brittany McKinney break down a huge weekend across the conference, highlighted by Duke’s gritty series win over Virginia Tech, proving they can win big without leaning entirely on Cassidy Curd. The Hokies continue to swing it, but missed opportunities at the plate and free passes in the circle made the difference.Virginia takes a big series over Georgia Tech in extra-inning battles that showcased their depth and resilience, while Notre Dame makes a statement by taking the series from Stanford behind elite pitching and a red-hot freshman class.Florida State stays perfect in ACC play, powered by the absurd production of Isa Torres—who is making a case as the toughest out in the country—while North Carolina continues its historic offensive run, homering in 23 straight games.Plus, we dive into teams that are so close (looking at you, Georgia Tech), standout performances across the league, and what these results actually tell us about the ACC landscape moving forward.And to wrap it up, we bring back “Hot Takes: BS or No BS,” debating everything from travel ball habits carrying over to college, to what really counts as “swag” in the game—and why conference narratives don’t always add up.

Another weekend of ACC softball brought explosive offenses, dominant pitching performances, and some wild series results across the conference. Duke swept Cal while outscoring them 23–3, highlighted by Cass Curd’s no-hitter and another complete game performance in the circle as the Blue Devils continue their remarkable run, winning nine of their last ten ACC series dating back to 2024.Stanford handled Pitt behind a strong showing from its pitching staff, including an incredible weekend from Prystiko, who recorded two wins, a save and 24 strikeouts in 9.2 hitless innings while the Cardinal offense continued to produce, scoring seven or more runs for the 12th time this season.UNC and Virginia delivered one of the most entertaining series of the weekend, featuring extra-inning battles and huge offensive performances. Emily LeGette stole the spotlight with a three-home-run game including a walk-off, continuing her unbelievable season, while Sanaa Thompson continues to prove she’s one of the toughest outs in the conference. Virginia showed constant fight throughout the series, with key contributions from Jaiden Griffith, Bella Cabral, Jade Hylton and Macee Eaton.Clemson’s weekend included Abby Dunning throwing the program’s first no-hitter since 2023 in a 1–0 game and a Corri Hicks walk-off against Georgia Tech, while Florida State’s offense exploded for historic numbers, including a school-record 22-hit game and a historic 6-for-6 performance from Isa Torres in her return to the lineup.Virginia Tech extended its winning streak to 14 games behind a power surge at the plate, while NC State continued its historic run with 15 straight wins, the longest streak in program history.

This week on @UpTheCoastACC dive deep into ACC softball as conference play heats up, breaking down some of the biggest storylines, surprises, and concerns from the opening weeks of the season. We kick things off with Louisville, who continues to impress at 19-4. The Cardinals are playing fast, aggressive, and downright annoying softball — exactly the way you need to play to compete in the ACC. Bree Despines, Camryn Luckadoo, Chelsea Mack, and Taylor Monroe are driving an offense that's hard to slow down, and the pitching depth with Anna Wise, Alyssa Zabala, Madi Reeves, and Jayden Gohs has this program looking like a legitimate postseason contender.But their series win also came with a front-row seat to a Stanford meltdown? — and we are not holding back. An 8.11 ERA, 19 walks, a 42% first-pitch strike rate, defensive miscues that don't even show up in the error column, and some of the most painful game management you'll ever watch. Three-hour, seven-inning games. Defensive shuffles every other inning. We break it all down. Georgia Tech, who swept Notre Dame and looks like a different program from a year ago. Madalyn Johnson has been a fantastic portal addition, Reece Hunter has reinvented herself at the plate, and transfers and sophomores alike are putting up career-best numbers across the board. The Jackets are for real — but the strikeouts and pitching depth behind Johnson are worth watching. UNC got a wake-up call this weekend. Walking off in Games 1 and 2 against a 6-12 Boston College team looked good on paper — until BC dominated Sunday 10-2 and exposed some real questions in the circle and at the plate. Playing cupcakes in the preseason has consequences, and the Tar Heels may be feeling that now. Virginia keeps finding ways to win. Seven games in five days, a three-run deficit erased in the final inning on Sunday, and the bottom of the lineup delivering when it mattered most. This is a gritty, team-first program that deserves more attention.Clemson is a mystery. Capable of beating Georgia and Mississippi State, but also capable of losing to Georgia Southern. The power numbers are way down, Abby Dunning is banged up, and the vibes feel off. Sierra Maness is legit, but this team needs to figure itself out fast with a third of the season already gone. Virginia Tech may have found the missing piece. Sophomore Bree Carrico didn't even play last year — and now she's 4-0 with wins over Georgia and Auburn, a 1.62 ERA, and 45 strikeouts in under 35 innings. The Hokies have always had the offense to make a WCWS run. If Carrico is for real, the pitching depth is finally there too. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the ACC Week 14:25 UNC's Performance Against Boston College18:40 Georgia Tech's Improvement and Notre Dame's Struggles 27:17 Virginia's Grit: Overcoming Challenges 31:59 Clemson's Roller Coaster Performance 36:34 Florida State's Resilience Amid Injuries 42:06 Duke's Tough Schedule and Recovery 46:41 Milestones and Achievements 56:17 BS or No BS: Controversial Topics in Softball 01:01:23 Upcoming Series Predictions

This episode covers the early season of college softball, focusing on team performances, tournament insights, and upcoming matchups. Hosts Alex and Britt analyze key teams like Stanford, Duke, Virginia Tech, and Virginia, sharing expert opinions and predictions. Alex and Britt talk about who they are high on, cautiously optimistic and who needs to find some answers.

In this episode of Up the Coast with Alex and Britt, the hosts dive into the highlights of the 2026 softball season's second week, focusing on the Clearwater tournament, team performances, and standout players. They discuss the impressive youth of Florida State, Duke's competitive edge, Stanford's challenges, Clemson's struggles, Virginia Tech's rollercoaster week, and North Carolina's undefeated streak. The conversation also touches on the national landscape, including Tennessee's strong showing and the dynamics of Texas Tech's roster. The episode concludes with a segment on controversial topics in the sport, including the need for video replay in marquee tournaments.riverside britt & up feb 16, 2026 001 acc tourney recapTakeawaysWinning is hard; only seven teams remain undefeated.Florida State's youth is impressive, showcasing talent.Duke's athleticism is a key factor in their performance.Stanford faced challenges but showed resilience.Clemson is still finding its identity this season.Virginia Tech had a tough week after strong performances.Virginia is taking care of business with a solid record.North Carolina is swinging the bat well, leading in stats.Tennessee looks strong and is expected to be number one.

In this episode of Up The Coast with Alex and Britt, the hosts recap the thrilling opening weekend of the softball season, discuss the recent Super Bowl, and share personal anecdotes about their weekend activities. They dive into the performances of top teams in the ACC, including Duke, Virginia Tech, Stanford, and Florida State, while also analyzing the challenges faced by Clemson and the surprising resilience of Virginia. The episode concludes with a segment on upcoming matchups and a light-hearted discussion on softball rules.TakeawaysBest opening weekend I can remember.Sourdough is a journey, just like the softball season.Duke has so much speed and experience.Virginia Tech is balancedVirginia surprises us in a really good way.Florida State scored in the first inning in three of their five games.Does Clemson needs to be worried after losing to Auburn and Michigan StateThe rest of the ACC needs to level up after Stanford's new stadium.Pittsburgh's upset victory was awesomeUpcoming matchups promise exciting softball action.Chapters00:00 Opening Weekend Highlights02:52 Super Bowl Reflections and Personal Anecdotes05:36 Softball Season Insights and Team Performances08:34 Duke's Competitive Edge and Player Highlights11:10 Virginia Tech's New Dynamics and Performance15:08 Virginia's Resilience and Surprising Performances20:47 Florida State's Strong Start and Future Prospects21:23 Florida State's Rising Stars28:14 Clemson's Early Season Challenges31:13 Assessing the Impact of New Facilities33:45 BS or No BS w/ AP35:09 Upcoming Matchups

In this episode of Up the Coast with Alex and Britt, the hosts celebrate the return of the softball season, reflecting on the previous year's highlights and discussing expectations for the upcoming 2026 season. They delve into the performances of various teams in the ACC, including Clemson, Duke, FSU and Virginia Tech, while also addressing the challenges faced by each team. The conversation touches on the impact of new leadership at Cal and the significance of preseason predictions. The hosts engage in a fun segment called 'BS or No BS,' where they analyze current storylines in the softball world, emphasizing the importance of every game in the lead-up to the Women's College World Series.

In this episode of Up The Coast with Alex & Britt, the hosts recap the thrilling ACC Championship, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament, standout performances, and key moments from each game. They discuss the implications of the results for the NCAA tournament selection, predicting a record number of teams from the ACC to qualify. The conversation covers the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and championship game, providing insights into team strategies and player performances.takeawaysThe ACC Championship showcased the depth and competitiveness of the league.Georgia Tech's victory over Cal was a significant statement for the selection committee.Clemson's comeback win against Virginia Tech highlighted their resilience.Florida State's consistent performance positions them as a top contender.Duke's strong showing against Stanford demonstrated their potential.Clemson's journey from a rough start to championship victory is remarkable.The weather conditions impacted gameplay during the tournament.The selection show is crucial for teams like Georgia Tech and UNC.Florida State's pitching depth is a key asset for postseason success.The ACC is expected to send a record number of teams to the NCAA tournament.

As we enter the final week of ACC play, the softball chaos is heating up—and we’re breaking it all down. In this jam-packed episode, we look back at a wild weekend full of walk-offs, sweeps, and statement wins. Could a coin flip really decide the #1 seed in the ACC Tournament? We dive into that scenario, plus postseason paths for Virginia, Stanford, Clemson, VT, FSU, and more.We also hand out our regular-season awards: hear our picks for Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, and Freshman of the Year, in a conference dominated by offense (.308 avg, 800 HRs and counting!).Segment Highlights:Virginia vs Stanford thriller: what it means for the ACC bracketClemson’s surge & Macy Cintron’s monster weekVT vs Cal recap + previewing the ACC’s biggest series: VT vs FSULouisville’s late push, UNC’s quiet sweep, and Duke’s pitching dilemmaPostseason projections for all the major playersPlus, our take on which bubble teams are safe, which squads are dangerous 2-seeds, and why no one wants to see an ACC team in their regional.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe! We’re heading into the most thrilling stretch of the season, and you definitely don’t want to miss what’s happening in ACC softball!In this episode of Up the Coast, Alex and Britt break down all the latest action as the ACC regular season nears its conclusion. From record-breaking performances to game-changing upsets, they spotlight standout teams and players — including Pitt’s gritty win over Virginia Tech and the buzz around the Big Swing event featuring Stanford vs. Cal.They also dive into key weekend matchups: Louisville vs. Virginia, UNC vs. NC State, Duke vs. Notre Dame, and Clemson’s impressive run. Plus, they tackle some concerning trends that emerged and what they might mean moving forward.Looking ahead, the duo makes bold predictions for upcoming series and explores the tantalizing possibility of a historic milestone: could the ACC send nine teams to the NCAA tournament for the first time ever?With postseason spots, national seeds, and ACC Championship byes all up for grabs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Buckle up — it’s going to be a wild ride

In this episode of Up the Coast, hosts Alex Powers and Britt discuss the current state of the 2025 NCAA softball season, focusing on the ACC. They analyze the RPI standings, highlight key matchups, and delve into the performances of teams like Florida State, Virginia, Clemson, and Duke. The conversation also touches on coaching strategies, the importance of midweek games, and the future of ACC softball, including the announcement of Cal's new stadium.Florida State and Virginia Tech are leading the ACC standings.Clemson's surprising performance has established their identity this season.Duke's offensive explosion showcases their potential for postseason success.Virginia's competitive edge is attributed to their strong pitching and player development.The rivalry between Florida State and Florida remains intense and significant.UNC's struggles highlight the importance of a strong schedule for postseason hopes.Controversial coaching tactics can impact team reputation and performance.Virginia Tech's continued consistency is crucial for their postseason hosting aspirations.Cal's new stadium is a significant development for the program's future.The upcoming matches are critical for teams vying for postseason positions.

In this episode of Up the Coast, Alex & Britt dive into the latest from ACC softball, including some tough news about Florida State's head coach Lonni Alameda, who is bravely fighting breast cancer while leading her team through the season. We send her all our love and support! We love you CoachaWe break down the latest ACC standings, as FSU remains undefeated in conference play, with impressive sweeps from Florida State and Virginia Tech, and a couple of jaw-dropping moments in the Virginia Tech-Stanford series, including a triple play and a Cori McMillan walk off. The Hokies’ depth continues to shine with 11 hitters recording home runs this season—truly a team effort!Florida State has been looking like one of the most complete teams in years, with clutch hitting, elite pitching, and some serious bunting skills. Plus, Isa Torres leads the ACC with 62 hits and continues to make waves as one of the top players in the country.Duke had a strong weekend, sweeping Louisville, with Ana Gold smashing her 6th homer of the season and Dani Drogemuller showing out in the circle. Meanwhile, UNC bounced back from a game 1 loss to Syracuse to win the series, led by ACC’s top hitter Kat Rodriguez, who's also leading the country in RBIs.We also take a closer look at the ongoing struggles for Virginia as they lost a series to Notre Dame and how tough road trips are proving to be for teams like Cal and Stanford, with travel exhaustion impacting performance.Get the latest updates on who’s making moves in the ACC and what’s to come in midweek matchups and conference play. Big games are ahead—Florida State vs. Florida, Clemson vs. Stanford, and so much more!Tune in for all this and more in this packed episode of Up the Coast.

In this engaging conversation, Coach Morales of Georgia Tech softball discusses the current state of ACC softball, highlighting the competitive nature of the conference and the impressive performance of her team. She reflects on the contributions of young players, team dynamics, and the challenges of coaching in a rapidly evolving sport. The discussion also touches on potential rule changes and the personal aspects of team life, including the fun and challenges of managing a young team.Key TakeawaysThe ACC is experiencing significant growth and competitiveness in softball.Improving pitching has been a key focus for Georgia Tech.Defensive consistency is an area for improvement.Freshman players are making a significant impact on the team.Coaching strategies must evolve with the changing game.Team culture is vital for maintaining morale and competitiveness.The importance of player development and learning from failures.Rule changes could enhance the game, especially regarding challenges.

In this episode of Up the Coast, hosts Alex Powers and Britt dive into the current state of ACC softball as teams navigate through conference play. They discuss the dynamics of competition, highlight standout players and teams, and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various programs. The conversation covers the front runners in the conference, teams that are exceeding expectations, and those that are causing concern, particularly Duke. The hosts also touch on the impressive performances of Florida State and Virginia Tech, the challenges faced by UNC, and the rising talent in Clemson. As they look ahead, they make predictions for upcoming matchups, emphasizing the competitive nature of the ACC.TakeawaysThe ACC is seeing a competitive landscape with several strong teams.Florida State is currently viewed as the front runner in the conference.Virginia Tech's pitching, particularly Emma Limley, is a key strength.Duke's inconsistent performance is raising concerns among analysts.Clemson's Macy Centrone is emerging as a clutch player.UNC's offensive depth is a significant issue for their success.Syracuse's upset against Duke highlights their growing competitiveness.Cal is exceeding expectations after losing key players from last season.Virginia's pitching duo of Eden Bigam and Savannah Henley is formidable.Stanford's strong start in the season is noteworthy.Sound Bites"Emma Limley is unhittable when confident.""Syracuse isn't afraid of anybody.""Clemson's Macy Centrone is super clutch."Subscribe and comment!

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!Subscribe now to Up the Coast for all your ACC softball coverage!

In this episode we highlight a few matchups from the ACC and standout performances before we sit down with and chat with Coach Marissa Young.In our conversation, Coach Young reflects on her journey with Duke softball, discussing the team's historic success in reaching the Women's College World Series, the challenges of managing expectations, and the importance of building a strong coaching staff. She emphasizes the value of player development, the impact of transfers, and the significance of instilling a positive culture within the team. Young also shares personal insights on overcoming adversity and the importance of creating lasting memories with her players during road trips. Learn more about Duke Health Hero for Health herehttps://giving.dukehealth.org/Learn more about organ donation herehttps://donatelife.net/

Welcome to Up The Coast, your go-to podcast for all things ACC softball, hosted by Alex & Britt! Each week, we break down the biggest moments, top performances, and emerging storylines from the Atlantic Coast Conference. In this episode, Alex & Britt dive into the impressive early-season dominance of teams like Duke, Virginia Tech, and Stanford, as well as explosive performances from Florida State and Syracuse.We kick things off with Duke’s red-hot start, including a 5-0 run at the Mary Nutter Classic, highlighted by Cass Curd's incredible pitching and a dramatic 1-0 win over #4 UCLA. Then, we look at Virginia Tech’s impressive 4-1 weekend at the Easton Bama Bash, where Emma Lemley’s pitching brilliance and the Hokies' showing they are a complete team.Florida State’s offensive power and pitching puzzle is analyzed as the Noles aim for consistency, while Stanford is proving they have staying power with a big wins over top-ranked team Texas. We also dive into Syracuse having a legit pitching staff, led by Madison Knight & Lindsey Hendrix and their impressive team ERA, and shout out some standout performances from Louisville’s Chelsea Mack and Clemson’s Julia Knowler.With midweek matchups like Virginia Tech vs. Liberty and Duke’s 3 game series against undefeated South Carolina, Alex & Britt also preview the upcoming ACC play and look ahead to some of the most exciting games of the season. How will Duke manage their pitching staff in a three-game series against South Carolina? Will Clemson continue to find a way in a midweek vs Georgia? How will Florida State responds to the challenges in their next stretch of games?Tune in to Up The Coast each week as we take you through all the action and insights of ACC softball, keeping you up to date on the players, the teams, and the incredible moments shaping this season. Whether you’re following the top teams or looking for rising stars, Alex & Britt have all the coverage you need!

Welcome to Up The Coast, your go-to podcast for everything ACC softball, hosted by Alex & Britt! In this action-packed episode, the duo takes you through the highlights of the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, sharing insights on key matchups and results from across both the ACC and SEC. They’ll dive into the top performances of the weekend, the challenges some teams are facing, and the exciting developments as the season continues to unfold.In this episode, we’ll cover:Clemson's "Reset Year": Alex & Britt break down Clemson's tough weekend at Clearwater, where they went 1-4. With losses to Missouri, Kentucky, Auburn, and UCF, the team faces growing pains as they rebuild after the departure of key leadership. The conversation focuses on the promising talents of players like Maci Cintron, Alex Brown, and Madi Moore, and how Coach Rittman’s team is looking to reestablish its identity.Florida State's Dominance: At 8-1 overall, FSU is proving why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. With impressive offensive stats led by Kennedy Harp (.704, 4 HRs) and a stellar pitching staff featuring Annabelle Wee-dra and Jazzy Fransik, Alex & Britt discuss how Lonni Alameda’s squad is clicking on all cylinders and looking primed for another deep postseason run.Virginia’s Close Calls: The Hoos are 5-5 but could easily be 7-3 after a weekend full of dramatic, close games. The hosts break down Virginia’s key wins, including a walk-off victory over UCLA, and highlight the leadership of Macee Eaton, who leads the team in RBIs despite a .156 average. They also discuss the pitching depth that could be Virginia’s secret weapon as the season progresses.Duke's Statement Win Over Florida: After a tough loss to Florida, Duke bounced back with a statement 8-1 victory, with Cass Curd shining in the circle. Alex & Britt reflect on the resilience of this Blue Devils team and discuss how key contributors like Jada Baker and Tessa Malau’ulu are driving the offense from the bottom of the lineup.Virginia Tech’s Perfect Week: Virginia Tech is making waves with back-to-back perfect games from ace Emma Lemly, who continues to dominate in the circle. The duo dives into VT’s stellar start and their early challenges in Baton Rouge, emphasizing how this team is growing stronger with each game and ready for the ACC battle ahead.Other Teams on the Rise: Alex & Britt also give shout-outs to teams like Stanford (undefeated at 9-0) with a powerhouse offense and Syracuse (9-0) leading the nation in ERA. They also discuss Louisville’s solid start and a big win over #25 FAU.Plus, we’ll look ahead at exciting upcoming matchups, including:Stanford vs. Arizona and Texas in TucsonDuke in the Mary Nutter Classic, taking on Nebraska and UCLAUNC facing South CarolinaSyracuse’s trip to Athens vs. GeorgiaFSU hosting Texas A&M

Week one is officially in the books! Join us as we break down all the key takeaways from the opening weekend of college softball. We’ll discuss the standout performances, early concerns, and what’s ahead for teams in the ACC and beyond.Highlights include:Biggest Takeaways: Duke’s strong start led by Cass Curd, a closer look at Duke’s new talent, and Aminah Vega’s being just legitBest Performances: Notre Dame’s walk-off win against Mizzou, Emma Lemley’s perfect game for Virginia Tech, Florida State’s revenge against Oklahoma State, and Kennedy Harp with a weekend to rememberEarly Concerns: Duke’s pitching depth, and how both Florida State and Duke are handling the pressure of high expectations for the season.We’ll also discuss the top-ranked teams in the NFCA Coaches Poll – #8 FSU, #12 Duke, #17 VT, and #20 Stanford – and dive into each team’s performance this weekend.Plus, a sneak peek at upcoming matchups that you won’t want to miss, including Duke vs. Florida, Clemson at the Shriners Clearwater Invitational, and Virginia Tech in Baton Rouge.Tune in for all this and more in Episode 2 of our college softball podcast!Follow & Subscribe us for more insights and updates on the season ahead!Questions/Comments/Concerns drop them below or email us at [email protected] & Britt

The 2025 season is upon us, and there’s plenty to talk about in the world of ACC softball. In this episode, Alex & Britt dive deep into the big changes, standout players, and the teams that will shape the conference this year.Topics Covered:Graduation Shakes Things Up: ACC lost a ton of talent this offseason. Which teams should be most concerned about losing their big-name players? Alex & Britt discuss which powerhouse teams might face a reality check with the graduation of stars like Claire Davidson (Duke), Valerie Cagle (Clemson), and Kaley Mudge (FSU).Looking Back at 2024 Storylines: From Duke’s historic WCWS run to Clemson's late-season struggles, Alex & Britt reflect on some of the defining moments of last year’s ACC softball action.Top 3 Players to Watch: Alex and Britt name their picks for the players who’ll steal the spotlight in 2024. Who’s ready to break out? Who will lead their teams to the next level? Find out their picks.Sleeper Teams: Every season has a surprise contender. Alex’s sleeper pick? Virginia—don’t sleep on them after their impressive regional run in 2024. Britt’s got her eye on Stanford, despite the loss of star Nija Cannady.Favorites to Win the ACC: It’s a battle between the usual suspects, but will Duke repeat their dominance or is there a dark horse on the horizon?Big Matchups to Watch for Opening Weekend: From Duke’s loaded NFCA Leadoff Classic to FSU’s opening clashes in Puerto Vallarta, the hosts give you the rundown on the can’t-miss games to kick off the season.Plus, both Alex & Britt share what they're most excited about for the 2024 season—whether it’s the rise of fresh talent, the underappreciated players getting their moment in the sun, or just the thrill of another season of ACC softball.It’s a jam-packed episode that you won’t want to miss if you're a fan of the ACC or college softball in general. Whether you're a diehard fan of Duke, Clemson, or any other team, this episode will get you hyped for the season ahead.Have questions? Email us at [email protected]— or leave a comment, we want to hear from YOU!Tune in now!Love ya'll,Alex & Britt

Did you miss us? Because we definitely missed you! Welcome back to Up the Coast with Alex & Britt – the only podcast that’s all about ACC Softball! Season 2 is here, and we’re ready to crank up the fun, double the laughs, and bring you even more insider stories from the world of college softball.In this episode, we’re kicking things off with a throwback to Season 1: the highlights, the laughs, and all those epic moments from our first year. We’ll reminisce about our first-ever guests—shoutout to DJP and Joann Graff—and relive those unforgettable interviews with coaches like Marissa Young, Lonni Alameda, Megan Smith-Lyon, and more. Oh, and did we mention Coach Leftwich’s badass shoe collection? Yeah, we’re bringing all the good vibes and behind-the-scenes fun to get you hyped for what’s ahead.We’ve learned a LOT during the offseason about our tech, platforms, and how to make this podcast even better for you. We couldn’t have done it without all of you listening, so THANK YOU for being a part of this journey.So, what’s new this season? More guests, more challenges, more juicy stories, and definitely more ACC Softball drama. Tune in as we dive into hot topics like graduation, transfers, and who’s got the best shot at the ACC crown in 2025. Oh, and we’ll be chatting about the big reclass with Stanford and Cal joining the conference—because you KNOW that’s going to shake things up.Plus, stay tuned for a rapid-fire Q&A segment, where we’ll be answering the toughest questions about ACC Softball—like:How many ACC teams will make the postseason?Homeruns or doubles?Walk-up songs?And of course, we’ll preview next week’s episode where we break down the top players to watch, sleeper teams, and what we’re most excited about for this season.So sit back, relax, and buckle up—Season 2 of Up the Coast is officially rolling, and we’re here for all the chaos and fun. Get ready for one wild ride!Have questions? Email us at [email protected]— or leave a comment, we want to hear from YOU!Same podcast, more chaos. Let’s do this!-Alex & Britt

In this episode, we dive deep into the action-packed regionals and the performances of Virginia, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Florida State, and Duke. We celebrate Virginia's growth under Joanna Hardin and acknowledge the incredible foundation laid by Clemson's Seniors, highlighting their achievements and pride they should take with them.As Florida State heads into the challenging Oklahoma super regional, we discuss the obstacles they've already overcome this season and wonder if this is Coach Lonni Alameda's best coaching performance to date. Can Duke pull off an upset in CoMo? We give a shout-out to all the pitchers on Duke's staff and acknowledge the 'swag' they showcased this past weekend.Lastly, we extend our congratulations to Coach Gumpf from Notre Dame on her retirement after an impressive 23-year tenure as the head coach of the Fighting Irish. Tune in for all this and more as we recap the regionals and look forward to the upcoming super regionals!

Join Britt and Alex for this week's episode of Up the Coast where they discuss the 5 ACC teams competing in Regionals across the country.Duke and Florida State were both named top 16 seeds and will be hosting the first week of NCAA post season while Virginia makes a trip to Knoxville to play in Tennessee's regional, Clemson travels to Tuscaloosa to play in Alabama's regional and Virginia Tech goes across the country to play in UCLA's regional.Should be an eventful weekend full of great softball!

Join us for an insightful episode of Up the Coast as we chat with NFCA Hall of Famer and FSU head coach, Lonni Alameda. Dive into her perspective on culture, player development, and navigating the challenges of high expectations. Coach talks the process of maintaining success, the impact of social media on athletes, and the evolution of softball in the ACC. Coach shares wisdom and lessons she has learned during her remarkable coaching career. This episode is great for not just fans of the game, but for athletes of all ages and coaches who are looking for insight on how to develop players and programs. Tune in for a captivating conversation you won't want to miss!

Welcome back to another exciting episode talking ACC Softball on the Up The Coast w/ Alex & Britt podcast! This week, we're diving headfirst into the action-packed world of ACC softball, breaking down all the thrills and spills from the past weekend's series.Join us as we dissect the big storylines that emerged from the ACC matchups, from stunning upsets to nail-biting finishes. Plus, we'll provide updates on any major injuries that could impact teams moving forward.Of course, we can't forget to celebrate the standout performances of the week. We'll shine a spotlight on the ACC players who dominated the field, earning themselves well-deserved accolades. And we'll also tip our hats to the national player of the wek who made waves across the softball landscape.But it's not just about looking back—it's also about looking ahead. We'll analyze what each team needs to do to strengthen their position in the postseason race. With postseason berths on the line, every game counts, and we'll break down the keys to success.So whether you're a hardcore fan or just tuning in, join us for another jam-packed episode of Up the Coast w/ Alex & Britt. Get ready to immerse yourself in the passion, intensity, and sheer excitement of ACC softball!

An inside look with Lindsay Leftwich, the first-year head coach of the Wolfpack softball team, as she shares her remarkable journey from seasoned assistant to leading her own squad. Join us as we explore Lindsay's strategic approach to assembling the perfect coaching staff, her top priorities upon arrival at NC State, and the invaluable life lessons she's gleaned from the sport she loves. Discover the unwavering pride Lindsay feels for her team's resilience, her initial impressions of competing in the ACC, and yes, even her signature shoe game. Prepare to be captivated by Lindsay's unwavering passion for softball and her relentless dedication to nurturing that same fire within her players.

11 views Apr 3, 2024Quick rundown of scores of the weekendClemson vs BC- Clemson 2-1Duke vs VT - Duke 3-0UNC vs ND- UNC 2-1Syracuse vs GT- Syracuse 2-1Pitt vs Louisville- Louisville 2-1FSU vs NC State- FSU 3-0Most surprising outcome of series or game-Abby Dunning and BC-GT lost the series at Syracuse-Duke swept VTHot take from this week--Abby Dunning is SO GOOD-There is something going on at Clemson…-FSU is going to finish strong and host-Jala Wright PiOYJaysoni Beachum Freshman of the Year; ACC & NCAAThrough 33 games-Hitting .4706 Ks7 2B, 1 3B, 7 HRStarting third baseman for the Noles- 2 errorsHitting .500 in conference play-Replays/ challenges; ACC, but also across the countryRPI-8 Duke-13 Clemson-23 VT-26 FSU-28 UVALooking ahead-Clemson @ Syracuse-Pitt @ BC-Virginia @ Notre Dame-VT @ NC state-UNC @ Duke-Florida State @ Louisville-GT off from conf-playing 2 games vs Auburn

The conversation between Alex, Britt, and Coach Megan Smith Lyon paints a vivid picture of the emotional journey she has taken to return to her alma mater and lead the UNC softball program. Her deep respect for Coach Papa and the responsibility she feels in taking over the program are palpable, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the traditions and values of Carolina softball.Coach Smith Lyon's emphasis on building genuine relationships with her players, seeing them as individuals beyond their roles on the field, speaks volumes about her approach to coaching. By prioritizing personal connections, she fosters a supportive and inclusive team environment where players can thrive both athletically and personally.The support of Carolina softball alumni further underscores Coach Smith Lyon's impact and legacy within the program. Their backing reflects not only her coaching abilities but also the profound influence she has had on past players, creating a tight-knit community that extends beyond the field.The offensive success of the team under Coach Smith Lyon's leadership, coupled with Corey Lyon's contributions in building player confidence and individualized coaching, highlights the comprehensive approach taken to elevate the program's performance.Ultimately, Coach Megan Smith Lyon's return to Chapel Hill symbolizes a homecoming filled with emotion, love, and a deep sense of belonging. Her passion for the university and dedication to its softball program shine through, affirming her as the perfect leader to guide Carolina softball into the future.

Episode 7 Week 6 of SeasonDuke (22-2, 5-1) v Florida State (18-8, 1-2)Duke took game 1 on Friday night, 10-5Florida State responded taking game 2 on Saturday, evening the seriesChess match Sunday- Duke won 9-5 in extras (8) scoring 4 runs in the top of the 8th This was the first series win against Florida State for DukeHighlights-Game 1- Duke came out swingingClaire Davidson so good…. just a double shy of the cycle on Friday nightHR, 3B, 1BJala Wright looked legit in the circle- shut down the Nole offense so well- making them swing at pitches outside of the zoneGame 2- Makenna Reid- best outing I have seen from her… and possibly even a FSU pitcher all season longquestionable pitching change…duke got some momentum and runsGame 3- Duke leaned into the short game… was beating the Florida State defense with bunt after bunt, ran the bases really well, too, just applying pressure on FSU to have to make the playsNorth Carolina (20-7, 2-4) v Clemson (20-6, 4-1)Cagle not playing this weekend- sick Clemson won the series opener 5-0Clemson secured the series, winning game 2… 4-1Game 3 9-1 (5)UNC plays with a lot of emotion, and that can be good or bad. They didn’t have much to be excited about and I think they couldn’t find that excitement to try to comeback. Game 3 Pitchers getting pulled//and no high fives in the dugoutClemson-Alex Brown went off on her former team 5-10 with a couple HR’s. Looking good in that leadoff spot that we are so accustomed to seeing McKenzie Clark inNotre Dame (16-10, 2-4) v Georgia Tech (19-10, 7-2)Georgia Tech took game 1 against the Fighting Irish 7-5Notre Dame came back and won game 6-3, tying the seriesNotre Dame took the series on Sunday beating the Yellow Jackets 6-5HighlightsGame 1- Emma Minghini hit a 2 run HR walk off (2-2 count; 2 outs) what dreams are made ofGame 2- Karina Gaskins had the clutch 2 RBI double on Saturday to push ND ahead 4-3- they ended up keeping the lead and closing it out to win game 2;Down 3-0 in T7, literally 1 out away form losing the game. scored 4 runs with 2 outsAddison Amaral also had a 2 run HR to put ND up by 3 (hitting behind Gaskins) Gaskins only walked one time that game. seeing some protectionGame 3- good back and forth battle throughout the game, some clutch hitting from ND, doubles, 2 run RBI singles… really got the offense going for ND to get the victory. the 4th, 5th & 6th inning were nuts!Alexis Laudenslager P, for ND really stepped up in the 2 wins. Threw 10 ⅔ innings. Game 2 win, Started in game 3, and Miceala Kastor came in and finished up. Tough to pitch against GT and they had a nice 1 2 punch in the circleGT exposed possibly with trouble with change/off speed. I think that wil be a big focus in practice this week for sure. Mallorie Black for Georgia Tech hit 2 HRs in Sunday’s game 3Black is now tied for 1st place in the ACC for homerunsGT faced UGA in midweek-- “you have to detach from the outcome to be invested in the process.” -AMO they faced Lillli Baccus (UNC transfer) and again looked off balance on change upsPitt (8-18, 0-6) v Virginia Tech (24-4-, 9-0)Hokies won game 1…. 18-0VT secured the series winning game 2… 8-4Better fight from PittGame 3 on Sunday…. VT getting the sweep, beating Pitt 9-0, in 5 innings 12 HR’s on the weekendMid week game last week- VT loss to Charlotte midweekSyracuse (13-11, 1-5)  v Virginia (17-9, 5-4)Syracuse beat UVA on Friday 6-1Madison Knight 7ip, 1 run, 3 hits--hits to only 1 & 2 in the lineup (Hylton and Bella Cabral) no one else could touch herVirginia came back and evened the series, winning game 2… 2-1Leah Boggs 2 run HR the differenceGot the win without Bigam in the circle- Julia Cuozzo and Courtney Lane combined in the circleVirginia won game 3, beating the Orange 7-2scored 6 runs in first 2 inningsJulia Cuozzo with the w and Bigham came in for last 3 to get the saveNC State (playing in the Garnet & Black Invitational) (18-9, 1-5)Beat Northwestern 1-0 on FridayOnly 1 h but State, but solo shot by Amanda Hasler was all they neededMadison Inscoe went the distance for Stategot out of some jams, showed toughness on defense. NW left 7 runners onBeat Michigan State 3-1Lost to Minnesota on Saturday 14-4Played South Carolina on Sunday, beat the Gamecocks 4-0Great response after getting smashed by MinnesotaMadison Inscoe once again threw all 7, 2h, 1k, 0BB--solid defensescored 1 run t1 and then added insurance top 7Highlights2nd top 25 win this season3rd ranked road win in program history4th shutout of the seasonAmanda Hasler tallied her 8th bomb of the seasonBoston College (playing in the Eagle Round Robin tourney) (17-8, 1-2)Beat Holy Cross on Friday 3-2Beat Iona 3-0 on SaturdayBeat Iona again on Sunday 9-1 in 5 inningsand beat Quinnipiac on Sunday 5-0HighlightsAbby Dunning threw a complete game no hitter, 1 BB, 7 KsDunning also reached the 300 strikeout markLouisvillePlayed South Dakota on Thursday, won 8-5Played Illinois on Friday- lost 6-0Louisville beat Michigan on Saturday, 12-4, run ruling them in 5Played Illinois again on Sunday… beat them 5-4great job making adjustments getting to play them again, hard fought gameHighlights-Late inning runs pushed the cardinals to a win on Thursday nightClutch BIG swings…. bases clearing triple by Paige Geraghty, HRs by Gabby Holloway (a couple) and Riley Frizell helping the Cards secure their wins all weekendDaisey Hess (5th year), Chelsea Mack (soph/Kentucky), Riley Frizzel (Senior/MIzzou), Paige Geraghty (Junior/played fresh yr at auburn)--all having solid seasons at the plateRPI#6 Clemson ( prev 11)#13 VT (5)#19 Duke (23)#23 FSU (24)#36 Louisville (42)#46 NC State (60)Looking aheadSC @ Clemson- WednesdayTexas @ Florida State Wednesday on the networkVT @ Alabama - fridayACC MatchupsSyracuse at BCNC State at NDGT at UNCClemson at UVADuke at LouisvilleFSU at Pitt

ACC in RPIVT- 5 SOS 7Clemson 14 SOS 16Duke- 20 SOS 136FSU- 25UVA- 40UL-41GT 42NC St- 57ND-61UNC- 68Virginia Tech (18-3-1, 6-0) vs Louisville (16-8, 0-3)VT #3 in country with 44 HR’sSwept Louisville IN LouisvilleLouisville coming off of an impressive W vs Arizona on Tuesday of last week5-3 victory, couple HR’s from Vanessa Miller and Bailee RichardsonAlyssa Zabala went 7 complete, scattered 3 runs, 5 k’s, 11GB’sGame 1 (DH on Saturday)VT 11-1Lindsay Grein in the circle, just 1 hit 0 ER in 5IPAlyssa Zabala (10-2) only made it 1.2 IP… Surprising no HR’s or xtra base hits w/ 11 hits, showing VT can win in other waysGame 2 10 innings! -- crazy how same teams can play, same day, and turn around and a completely diff game5-2 VTAll VT runs were from HR’ssolos by Bre Peck, Emma Ritter & 3run shot by Cori McMillan in top 10th to go aheadMazzarone  started- 5.1 IP, 4h, 2 r (none earned)Lemley in relief went 4.2-- 0 ER, 0 BB & 11 K’sLouisville didn’t score an earned run on the day, putting pressure on defense to make mistakes, but have to find some ownership of scoring their own runsVT committed 2 errors in each gameGame 34-3 VTLate inning comeback run from Louisville, cut shortScored all 3 ER’s off Lemly in her relief in the 6&7th but still came up one run shortVT threw Grein, Mazzarone and LemleyHuge advantage to be able to pitch by committee in game 3UNC (19-4, 2-1)  vs Virginia (15-7, 3-3)UNC’s Sanaa Thompson .557 and Alex Coleman .556 #1 &#2 in country in BA.400 team BA is #2 in country behind Texas at .401#1 in country in SB at 75 (2nd place is IU at 62)Virginia’s Madison Harris is #4 in the country in ERA with a .31 earned run averageGame 1, 0-3 VirginiaEden Bigham continues to show us she is the real deal7IP, 3BB, 6K’s 0 runs, against the top offensive team coming into the weekendUVA offense same names leading the way Jade Hylton and Leah BoggsGame 2, 4-1 UNC (DH)Alex Coleman, Sanaa Thompson and Abby Settlemyer with multi hit gamesLead off Coleman, as she goes this team goes. UVA pitch by committeeUNC’s Kenna Raye Dark, faced just 3 above the minimum-- not overpowering, no strikeouts or walks--she lets teams put it in play and if defense is solid behind her she can put her team in a position to win. Game 3 (DH) 6-1UNC’s offense opened up- Alex Colman 2-3, HR’s by Sanna Thompson and Autumn OwenEden Bigham did get the start, gave up 6 BB’s Britton Rogers looked solid for UNC, i think fatigue started to be an issues in late innings saw BB’s go up and had to be relieved in the 7thUNC’s defense looked solidNC State (14-8, 1-5) vs GT (18-7, 6-0)-GT #2 in country with 48 HR’s-Matched last season's HR total (48 HR’s in 53 games), current 48 HR’s in 25 games.-GT didn’t commit an error on the weekend-T3 in country in double plays with 15- defense secures championshipsGame 1, 4-1 GT 11 inningsGT Sophia Voyles looked great in the circleNo hitter until the 7th, and Taylor Ensley hit solo shot to tie itGT defense was big this game, 0 errors, closing doors of potential ralliesNC State 4 errorsInscoe and Weixleman held their own in the circle, but the depth of the pitching is concerningBut both teams showed fightGame 2 , 8-1, GTGTMal Black 5 rbi, including a Grand SlamNeleman and Dennis combine for 1 run, 2 hits -- We like this comboGame 3, 10-2, 5inn GTGT timely hitting- 6 players with RBI’s, 4 with 2 RBIsSophia Voyles started, only made through 2 innings- gave up 2 runsChandler Dennis coming in relief again, 1h 0 runs--looking really good in this relief roleClemson (17-6) had Tenn (L), and a DH with Minnesota this week (split w/ Minn), W’s vs Mercer, Longwood, FordhamVs Tenn, 1-2Cagle went 9 IP, 10 k’s, 9th inning 2 out BB and then a double for Tenn to take the leadClemson left 7 runners onDepth on Clemson, no pinch hitters and DH JoJo Hyatt had only gotten 1 hit on the season coming into this game (1-23)3rd time Clemson has lost by 1 run to TennVs Minn split - G1, 3-5 (9inning) G2, 3-1My big take away…is Clemson pressing, example-Game 1, Bottom of 9th down by 2 w/ runner on 1st and 1 outClark tries to sneaky bunt her way on and is thrown outGame 2, - bottom of 7th, runner on, 1 outClark hits walk off HRGo on to W 3 more outsourcing opponents 28-3Duke 2 (19-1, 3-0)  wins vs Elon & SDSU DHStill only the 1 loss of the year, coming in their 1st game this season vs Oklahoma14 shutouts on the season, has not allowed a single run in the month of march159-15, .73 ERA, .980 field %, Jala Wright #5 in country w/ .32 ERACassidy Curd still #3 in the country for strikeouts per 7 innings- 11.7Team ERA .73 top in the country.359 BA 5th in country.980 field % 11th in country/top in ACCFSU (15-5)4-1 on the weekend, 2 W’s over Purdue, W Michigan and FGCUAmaya Ross is #4 in the country for runs scored per game with 1.45Playing from behindVs Purdue, Purdue put 3 runs T1Down 3-0 until scoring 1 in the 6th in Loss vs FGCUVs Purdue, down 6-1 after 1st (went on to score 15 runs and win 15-9)Vs FGCU down 4-0 after 1st (went on to score 13 and win 13-6)From this past weekend- team #sMakenna Reid- 2-0 on the weekend in Fort Myers18 for 19 on stolen basesFinding ways to get in scoring position other than by hits…Always been a solid base running team10 HRs on the weekend 43 runs scoredRoyalty leads team in IP with 37.1 and has given up 21 runs but only 11 earnedFSU pitching by the numbers…. Team totalsFSU- 130IP, 125 H, 90 R, 61 BBs, 100 KsDuke- 125IP, 66 H, 15 R, 29 BBs, 149 KsDuke has given up ½ the amount of hits, ⅙ the amount of runs, and ½ the amount of BBs, while having…. 50% ?? more strikeouts than FSUClemson (3 more games played than the others)- 157 IP, 139 H, 58 Rs, 35 BBs, 140 KsClemson has also given up a lot of hits, almost 1 hit an inning but has given up ½ the runs and ½ the walks while adding another 40% more strikeouts than FSUPitt (8-14)Also played in the FGCU tournament alongside Florida State but the two teams did not play against each otherLost to Purdue, lost to Western Michigan on Friday; came back to win against both of those teams on Saturday, then lost to FGCU on SundayLooking for consistencyCameron Compson- 3 for 3 with 3 HRs against PurdueGrandslam, 1 run HR, 2 run HR (7RBI)SyracuseLast played against Duke on March 3; played 8 days later against Le Moyne & Norfolk state (yesterday) and run ruled both, also play another double header today against Norfolk State and Quinnipiac Interesting schedulingRebecca Clyde looking good for the Orange; a couple HRs and several RBIs yesterdayTaylor Posner also with a long ball and a few RBI on a timely single late in the game put the run rule into effect…Syracuse outscored opponents 20-1 in the first 2 games of their tournament in NorfolkBCA lot of scheduling mishaps for the Eagles last week, 3 of their games ended up getting canceled, they beat George Washington University on TuesdaySplit with Maryland, lost game 2 in extrasGood showing against B1GAbby Dunning still showing off in the circleNicole Giery looking good for BC offenseNDKarina Gaskins holds the top spot for on base percentage in the country with a .654 percentage of getting on baseACC holds 3 of the 5 top spots for OBPKarina Gaskins makes Notre Dame history with the most walks in a career with 121, also hit a HR this weekend30 bbs this season for Gaskins, the next highest on the team is 10 (Kronenberger) Went 4 and 1 on the weekend in West VirginiaBeat Indiana State twice, Marshall, and Ball State and also lost a game to Ball StateJane Kronenberger hit a few HRs on the weekend Addison Amaral had some timely hits as well on the weekend securing a run rule against Ball StateLooking aheadMidweeksWednesdayFSU vs Bama GT @...

We are excited and honored to have Duke Softball head coach Marissa Young, joining us. Coach Young was a former 3x All American pitcher at the University of Michigan, big 10 Pitcher of the year and Big10 Player of the year.. No stranger to success as a player she has now found that success as a head coach. In July 2015, coach young was named the 1st head coach of Duke softball and tasked with building the first ever softball program at Duke. The inaugural season was 2018, and after just 2 complete seasons Duke secures first ACC championship in 2021 and makes first postseason (named ACC coach of year), and then continues to take the next step each year ( 2022 first super regional, 2023 hosted super regionals).What we talk about...1. Coach Young talks her goals when she stepped foot on campus, and how they have continued to achieve new levels of success each year.2. Coach Young talks building and maintaining a team that can literally do it all consistently at a high level.1 loss (to OU) , outscoring opponents 159-15,14 shutouts, .73 ERA, .980 field %, Duke can pitch, hit, field & baserun at an elite level. 3. Coach Young speaks on the this teams identity. 4. Additions of new coaches5. Discussion on Jala Wright's senior campaign & confidenceJala Wright-43.2 IP, .32 ERA, 57K’s, 6BB, 2 runs!2 xs ACC pitcher of the week6. This senior class Returning the core of the team from last season, Coach discusses the impact that the seniors- (Kelly Torres, Claire Davidson, Francesca Frelick, Jala Wright, Lillie Walker, Sarah Godard, Dani Drugmueller) have had on the program7. Focus in practice this week w/ Liberty and FSU coming up8. Hosting ACC Tournament & new scoreboard9. Keepin it going

Episode 5- Opening weekend of ACC Conference PlayFirst week of ACC MatchUpsReminder: not EVERY team played conference this weekend, some are still trying to get a few more out of conference games in on their schedule1st RPI of the season was released!Rating Percentage IndexDifferent than rankings you have been seeing each weekRPI is a mathematical formula that takes in to consideration:Winning percentageStrength of schedule (opponents winning percentage)Opponents strength of scheduleThis is a major tool that the selection committee uses to seed teams in postseasonDesired changes to RPI?come selection show you want to be in top 40Conference RPI1. SEC 2. PAC12 3. BIG 12 4. ACC 5. AAC 6. BIG10Team RPI#6 Clemson #11 VT #20 Duke- #30 FSU#32 NC State#35 Virginia-Mid-week updatesClemson fell to UGA (#5 / #3) 2-1 on Wednesday night last week11 Clemson players getting playing time16 Bulldogs getting in the lineup3 UGA pitchers used (all averaging about 2 innings) - could depth be what allowed Georgia to win?13 LOB for Clemson vs GeorgiaACC Play-StrategyInformationExecution-Duke vs Syracuse- at Duke Softball StadiumDH Saturday- 3 GAMES IN 24 HOURS; thoughts on playing double headers?Duke won the first two games 7-0; 6-0Jala Wright reaches career milestone- 300 career strikeouts2-0 on the weekend, 10 innings pitchedShut out sweep of Syracuse5 diff pitchers= 0 runs0 errors on the weekendCassidy Curd #1 in country with K’s per 7 innings w/ 12.5-Clemson vs NC State- at Clemson— did we learn more about Clemson or NC state?!Clemson drops GAME 1 to NC STATE 6-1Surprised Cagle didn’t start…games pushed to DH on Saturday3 GAMES IN A 24 HOUR TIME SPANGame 1 NC State: had short leash on Madison Inscoe in Game 1 of the series… 1 inning and then only 1 batter faced in the secondAlisha Weixlmann came in and closed it out with 6 shutout inningsWeixlmann last year vs Clemson, beat them giving up just 1 hitClemson Secured game 2 victory 8-0, Valerie Cagle 5.0ip, 1 hGame 3NC state early lead 5-0--Clemson 3 errors in T14 Homeruns in Game 3- by 4 different playersAlia Logoleo stays hot… swinging a powerful bat right nowClemson scored 8 unanswered then NC state responds T3 to take 9-8 leadCagle goes 2.1 IP, 9r, 7er, 6h, -VT vs Notre Dame VT went on to sweep Notre Dame outsourcing the Irish 29-9Saturday DHANOTHER 3 GAMES PLAYED IN A 24 HOUR TIME SPANVT hit 8 HR’s on HR’s DH vs ND. 40 HR’s through 19 gamesFr Emma Mazzarone 0ER, Emma Lemly 0 ER- pitchers looking legitSundayLindsey Grein w/ the startVT had timely hitting game 3… Notre Dame actually outhit VT but VT executed when they had runners in scoring positionMaija Louko; pinch hitter, hit a grand slam in the 5th, shutting the door for any other potential comeback for NDVT #3 in country with 40ND Karina Gaskins #1 in country with BB/Game 1.5--teams not letting their best player beat them-GT vs PittGT had their first ever run rule sweep of an ACC opponent in program historyrun ruled Pitt in all 3 games of the series; out-scoring Pitt 32-611 game winning streak for the Yellow Jackets right nowGT- 43 HR’s… #2 in country- #1 in the power 5 conferences Madison Dobbins- first player in ACC to reach 30 RBI this seasonMallorie Black- 18 game on base streak… stays consistent-Virginia vs BCVirginia lost the 1st game on Friday, came back to get the next two wins.. Game 1 was a pitchers duel Abby Dunning for BC is legit..her rise ball that runs in to righties is a filthy pitch when it’s onBigham (UVA) rise and change were on pointGet this…only 2 hits on the afternoon; between BOTH teams!Game 2- Virginia used 4 different pitchers.. 6 errors between the two teams. BC with 4Sunday- Virginia won 1-0Hylton singled to left center, Boggs scored the only run in the game-Florida StateTrip to Oregon canceled…didn’t play Oregon or Washington2 wins vs Nicholls on Saturday; first W on Saturday- 5-4game vs Jacksonville (6-11)- FSU loses 5-6fell behind 6-2 in 1stJU scored all 6 runs with 2 outs4 BB and 2 hits 3 runs for Royalty, Danley comes inDanley gives up a bases loaded double-UNC5-1 on the week; a couple wins against NCCU, Oakland, Rider, Lafayette & Campbellonly gave up 1 run in their 5 victories…Shut out by Rutgers 4-0UNC leads the country with a .417 BA- last year they hit .27571 stolen bases on the year so far, last year they had 70 on the whole yearLouisville- 3 - 3 on the weekplayed in the South Florida tournamentextra innings win vs Georgia SouthernLouisville- looking for consistency?Look aheads for this week….Clemson has Tennessee on Tuesday, March 5; 6pm ET at homeGame time changed to 2pm for weather; Clemson lost 2-1 in 9 innClemson has a DH vs Minnesota on Thursday, March 7th at homeVT and Louisville series this weekend (@ Louisville)Virginia and UNC series this weekend (@ Chapel Hill)NC State vs GT (@ Raleigh)Spring Break tourneys for the rest of the conference

Welcome to Episode 4 of Up the Coast with Alex & BrittDuke- the only ACC team with 1 lossUNC, Louisville & Clemson are next with only 2 lossesNational notes: These #s were updated at the end of last week, before games this past weekend UNC #4 in the country in team batting average- .412 (through Feb 22, 2024)Duke #9 in the country in lowest ERA 1.02 (through Feb 22, 2024)Duke (#8), Virginia (#13), UNC (#14) all in the top 15 for best fielding percentage across the country (Feb 22, 2024)Georgia Tech- LEADING IN HRs after this weekend???!!!! 34Duke-Continues their slug fest, beat Michigan State 22-02 grand slams, 3 run blast…. SO much power!14 runs in the bottom of the third of a 22-0 win over Michigan StateJala had 14ks- career highRun ruled Villanova 8-0Total team right now- have it in the circle with Jala leading the way- the bats are on absolute fireBig inning potential4 DIFFERENT PLAYERS have hit FIVE grand slams this yearClemson- back on track?Exciting gamesbeat Charlotte midweekRun rule against Ole Miss- a run rule against any SEC team feels goodClose game- walk off win for Clemson against UCONNActually 3 walk off wins?! 2 were run rule walk off’s…**do you count those?!Mid week at Georgia!!!Florida State-Bats continuing to come alive in big moments- a lot of powerMichaela Edenfield 2 walk off wins (back to back games)- one a come from behind 5-4 win against Nicholls and the other a run rule 8-0 win against NichollsPitching still in questionCould the pitching staff be struggling more this year because they don’t have a dominant down ball pitcher? They have historically had at least one pitcher on staff that dominated the lower half of the zone- Lacey Waldrop, Meghan King, Kat Sandercock…. Now- their primary arms are more E to W and up in the zone arms Virginia Tech-Emma Lemley still looking good in the circle- pull #s of her game against Dartmouth??BEAT (#3) GEORGIA on Friday, 5-42 RBI pinch hit from Trinity MartinHOW BIG IS IT TO HAVE HITTERS COME OFF THE BENCH AND COME UP CLUTCH?HOW HARD IS IT TO BE A PINCH HITTER?!Lemley rise looked legit, one thing that I noticed..she gets ahead early, even 0-2 and then BB. Lyndsey Grein big in the circle for VT to close out the gameLost 5-7 against Georgia on Saturday- not a bad game against a great hitting team in UGAWas leading the game 3-1 in the bottom of the third UGA came back in the top of the 4th, VT tied it up in the 4thSigns of brilliance from VT this weekend…. Should be proud of their performancePossible X factor- Emma Mazzarone, fr pitcher. very nice change and throws 69/70mphUNC-Nikki Harris in the circle looks great13ks in her 2nd career start, true freshman, too!!Most K’s for a UNC pitcher in a game since 2019Loss to Lipscomb 1-0, solo shot in 5th As a team, just 14 HR’s but have scored 101 runs,  stolen 54-59 bases, .508 OB%Alex Coleman- .619ba, 14-15 SB6 players hitting over .4003 hitting over .500Georgia Tech-32 runs in 4 games at the Clearwater TourneyLost games in Clearwater but the W/L not reflective of how well GT was playing/ hittingHR’s have come from at least 9 different hittersMallorie Black- an absolute killer in the box right nowNeleman- big for the GT pitching staffNC State-a sneaky/quiet 12-3 on the yearafter losing 3 games in first weekend, they have been rollingKeep an eye on what they are doingLouisville-had two games canceled this weekend in Conway, SChad the loss to Furman, beat Coastal and Bowling Green Zabala did not throw against Furman, got CG w vs Coastal and got the W in 2IP 0er vs Bowling greenConcern over depth in the circleBoston College-playing close, low scoring games--will be beneficial heading into conf play, just learning how to win those gamesPitching staff lead by Hallie Pappion &  Haley Dunning- the entire pitching staff have only giving up 1 HR in 102 IP combinedPitt-Loss to OSU 1-0, but played really well against one of the best teams in the countryOSU only scored on a bases loaded BB! Senior pitcher Adriana Romano gave up just 4 hits and 6.2 IPVirginia-Looking solid in the circleMadi Harris ties the UVA career saves record with 9Eden Bigham sets a career high strikeouts vs Lehigh with 14struck out the first 12 batters straight to start the gameNotre Dame-Beat #20 Utah at the Mary Nutter Classic (7-1)revenge game, ND lost to Utah in clearwater week 1. Lost to a really good Baylor team on a walk off, had 1 run lead into bottom of 7thND had 4 errors that gameSyracuse- went 2-3 on the weekend in Monroe, LAJasso still swinging it, Hendrix good in the circleHendrix is 5-0 on the season, rest of the staff combined is 3-6ACC Play starts this weekend!!NC State at ClemsonPitt at GTBC at UVAND at VTOther big matchupsFSU in Eugene vs Washington, Oregon- CANCELED- FLORIDA STATE looking for games!!Clemson at Georgia

Aileen Morales- Georgia Tech Head Coach BIO7th season at GTInducted into Georgia Tech HOF in 2020Previous head coach at Radford, Young HarrisWhat does it mean to be coaching at your Alma Mater? 27.8% -- Percentage of Georgia Tech softball games that Head Coach Aileen Morales has either played (program record - 265) or coached (300) in: 565 of 2,031 all time games. Was an assistant at GT 2010-2013Signed the #7 recruit class for 2024SchedulingOpened the season with 2 games vs AlabamaClearwater TournamentStanford, LSU, Minnesota, Northwestern (canceled OSU, Tennessee)Couldn’t get a W, but scored 32 runs!What have you learned about the team so far this season having faced that level of competition and even in general throughout the first 3 weeks?Offensive powerIn clearwater --- Stanford (7 runs), LSU (8 runs), Minnesota (11 runs), Northwestern (6 runs) (canceled OSU, Tennessee)Offense across the country is ELITE right now, why do you think that is?DATA!! Visibility!!GT PowerJust this week--17 HRs (8 dif players) .498 OB%, Opponent ERA >10Overall 34 HR’s, .442 OB%,  .365 team BA, Opponent ERA >7… #1 in the country!!New coaching staffErin Dixon- pitching from UNCWHunter Bunch - hittingKelsey Bennett- recent grad from VTDevon BolandAny surprises from any athlete so far this year? Exceeding expectations!Mallorie Black-- is this offensive output a surprise to you?ACC pow.476, 7HR,18RBI, In 1st 3 season, hit 10 HR’s total--has already tied her HR total from last year in just 17 gamesBlake NelemanHas been a workhorse for this program, including this year she has thrown 528 innings -- what has she meant to this team?Has some more help around her this year, not just her and Chandler Dennis7 different pitchers have seen workHow has NIL/Transfer Portal effect you and your coaching? Biggest challenges/adaptionsBig Green Egg?!?! Coach NIL deal ;)Thank you Coach Morales for joining us on Up the Coast with Alex & Britt!

Welcome back to Episode 3 of Up the Coast with Alex & Britt where we dive week 2 of ACC Softball- an absolute hitter’s dream!RUNS RUNS RUNS..it was an exhausting weekend of watching softball IMOIs pitching struggling across the country? Are hitters THAT good? Good for the game? Analytics? 2, 30 run games in clearwaterPitchCom and pitch clock not going to help if the game continues in this directionConcerns for Florida State?PitchingVs Stanford. Combined shutout w/ Royalty and DanleyBeat NiJaree CanadyVs UCLA, 14 runs, 11BB, 2HBP, 5 pitchers, Danley, Reid, Royalty, Gooden, WilsonVs Georgia, 20 runs, 12 BB, 2 HBPWilson, Danley, Reid, Balk, GoodenCould have been worse a 3 run HR was negated for running walking off of 3b early..for no apparent reason/rumor is she did it on purpose to speed up game because of weather. Took HR from freshmanThe offensive production SHOULD be enough to win ball games but obviously we see that’s not how it’s playing outAppreciation for Kat SandercockIs Duke the best team in the ACC right now?One of the few teams in country showing pitching and hittingMidweek W vs NDSU 18-0Ana Gold- 2 grand slams; 8 RBI vs. North Dakota StateKelly Torres- 1 grand slam; 4 RBI vs. North Dakota StateW’s vs Rutgers, FIU & ArmyOnly given up 8 runs this seasonMost runs given up  in 1 games is 3 vs Oklahoma & Iowa State5 shutouts on the season in 9 gamesAna Gold- reaches 100 hits, 100 RBI, 100 runs scored last week (career)ClemsonIn Puerto VallartaBig games vs Utah and Auburn canceled- lost to Mississippi StateNo tarp, ran out of turface…quality tournament?Cagle Virginia TechVs ASU, solid outing from Emma LemleyLemley 5in CG, only 2bb and 6 ksTeam hit 2 more HRLost in extra innings vs Cal (ACC 2025 preview)No Lemley, 1 HR from Castine…live and die by the long ballRun rule loss to Grand Canyon 🥺UNCSwinging itLead the ACC in team batting average (.415)Top two hitters in the ACC:Alex Coleman .682Carsyn Snead .579Lost 12-10 in crazy game vs KentuckyCan swing itW 2-1 vs UCFShowed ability to play small ballGTAggressive at the plate, taking big confident swings, look solid offensivelyScored 8 runs against LSU, 7 against StanfordMallorie Black- .727 batting average last week1.968 on base percentage Defense is big concern for me, not all errors on paper but not clean11 errorsNC StateDefense looking solid- a couple wins last weekendDouble playsSports Center Top 10- Ellie Goins robs a HR (SC #5)LouisvilleZabala lights out in the circleZabala shutout Michigan, a 2-0Currently 10-1Current top 5 ranking in ACC?Alex & Britt rank their top 5 ACC teamsLooking aheadFSUMuch needed rebuild week? Bring in FIU, Charleston Southern, NichollsClemsonMidweek vs CharlotteBring in Ole Miss, UCONN, Miami OH- should win out this weekDukeBring in Elon, Villanova, Mich St, Boston U*VTHead to athens, includes 2 games vs Georgia (undefeated beat OSU, UCLA and FSU)Keys for VT to beat UGAKeep Georgia run production to a minimum- they are absolutely swinging it

Welcome back to Episode 2 of Up the Coast with Alex & Britt where we dive into opening weekend recaps and week 2 look aheads!Significant wins-Duke beats #18 NebraskaClemson beat #15 OregonVirginia Tech beat #20 Auburn in one game, tied in another gameBig losses-FSU loses to Charlotte on the season openerClemson loses to MizzouACC Players of the Week-Jala Wright- Pitcher of the WeekRachel Castine- Player of the WeekFSU- (4-1 on the weekend- upset by Charlotte)Devyn Flaherty passes 200 career hits and breaks into FSU’s top 25 for career hitsKalei Harding’s weekend- .527 BA, 3 HRs, 11 RBITied the FSU single game RBI record with 7 in one game Mimi Gooden- complete game shut out for her FSU debut (freshman)Isa Torres- freshman, walk off hit (2RBI) against Texas Tech5 different pitchers threw at least 5 innings. Thoughts on the pitching staff, Alex? Any need for early concern on MaKenna Reid? Any surprises?Loss to Charlotte & reboundDuke (3-1 on the weekend)Claire Davidson & Jala Wright- All Tournament team in Puerto Vallarta Big win over Nebraska (6-1)Nebraska ranked #18Opening game lost 0-3 to OklahomaCass Curd 3 hits 3 runs..not a great weekend for the sophomore. 8BB in 5IP. Another soph struggling in opening weekendJala Wright looked great…Danny Drogemuller with 2 starts.Duke have a complete pitching staff this year? Clemson (3-1 on the weekend)Beat Oregon (#15) 3-2Alia Logoleo playing a mean third base on opening weekend (moved over for SS transfer Alex Brown)Millie Thompson and Valerie Cagle both impressive in the circleLoss to Mizzou…Mizzou looked good beat Utah and Clemson.Pitch by committee- Brooks McCubbin didn’t make it out of 1st inning. Millie came in for 1.1 IP, Regan Spencer 3 IP, and Cagle final inning10 LOB Not too concerned with this lossVirginia Tech (4-0-1 tied with Auburn in one of the games)Rachel Castine- career weekend7 Hits, 4 HRs, 13 RBI, 1.667 SLGBri Peck- hit a grand slam in the top of the 7th against #20 Auburn (beat Auburn in first match up 8-1 in 8 innings)Game is currently listed as a tie since it was only through 6 complete inningsScore became 9-5 with Peck’s Grand Slam10 HR’s by 5 playersLemley's line for the weekend cause for concern? I think so.. 5.25 ERA, 8 IP, 12 BB, 5k, 7 r, 6ERSoph Lyndsay Grein picked up the slack though, thats a good sign for VTNotre Dame (3-2 in opening weekend lost to S Alabama and Utah)First ever college softball game played on MLB Network- Notre Dame v IowaCarli Kloss, Emily Tran and Karina Gaskins led the way at the platePitching is a big ? for me after week 1. Gave up 18 runs and hitters B/avg against .286Louisville (5-0- played in Fort Myers)Pitching staff only allowed one run across 5 games.20 team ERALed by Alyssa Zabala, picking up right where she left offDidn’t play the best competition, 2x Georgetown, LIU, FGCU x2UNC (4-0 on the weekend)Britton Rogers- makes her Tar Heel debut and throws a PERFECT GAME (5 innings vs North Carolina A&T)Went 21 for 22 on stolen base attempts this weekendAlex Coleman- Jr. Transfer from Marshall went 10 for 15Only 1 XBH (was a double)Carsyn SneadWent 9-13 (0 XBHs)I'm not sure we can make a judgement on UNC with the competition from opening weekend, but this weekend is going to be insane for UNCKentucky, UCF, Texas, Washington, UCLAGeorgia Tech3-3 on weekend, 2 L’s to Bama 1 L to VillanovaPlayed good ball against Bama, A would-be seventh inning grand slam from Grace Connelly was robbed at the outfield wall, resulting in a double play to help Alabama close the door We liked what we saw from Blake Neleman, 5 other pitchers saw action. Neleman will need help in the circle this year, lacked that last season.Sara Beth Allen (Sr) had a great weekend at plateVirginia (3-2 on the weekend)Eden Bigham had a career high 11 strikeouts against UNCG2 L to S. CarolinaTravel to Tuscaloosa this weekendSyracuseAngel Jasso (Sr) not missing a beat .706, 12-17, 10 RBI (15 RBI all last season), Lindsey Hendrix (Sr) 2-0, 12 IP 0 runsNC State1st win for Lindsay Leftwich vs Missouri StateGoing to be a long season i think, def rebuild going on in Raleigh‘Gentle’ pre conf schedule Elon, Campbell, Iona, Albany..Boston College (4-1 on the weekend)Halie Pappion threw a 7 inning no-hitter (2 BBs, 11Ks) sophomore, threw just 19 innings last season…could be a bright spot for BC in circleBC beat FGCU in 10 inningsPressure early on in the season, like to see BC put to the test Pittsburgh2-2 @ LSU, respectable games vs LSU and 2 wins vs Memphis1st win for Jenny AllardComing up-- Alex in Clearwater? w/ UNC, GT, & FSUUNC - Kentucky, UCF, Texas, Washington, UCLAGT - Stanford, LSU, Minnesota, N Western, TennesseeFSU - Stanford, UCLA, Georgia, Tennessee Other games to look out forClemson in Puerto Vallarta-- Utah, Wichita State, Miss St, AuburnVT -- ASU & Cal

Welcome to Episode 1 of Up the Coast with Alex & Britt!Opening weekend is here! Butterflies are in full effect for athletes, coaches and fans across the country! We open this episode with our thoughts and experiences of opening weekend as former players.Florida State #1:Younger pitching staff, Kat Sandercock graduatedMcKenna Reid- Lefty sophomore for the Noles was very impressive in her freshman campaignLonni Alameda coaching style- pitching by committee FSU’s offensive leaders- Michaela Edenfield, Dev Flaherty, Kaley Mudge, Jahni Kerr, Kalei HardingClemson #2: Valerie Cagle- the ACC Star 2023 National Player of the Year award recipientSurrounded by returners- Alia Logoleo and Mackenzie ClarkClemson fanbase seems electric!Duke #2:Marissa Young as the Head Coach- has done a phenomenal job building the Blue Devil programRunner up at the ACC Tournament in 2023Top 8 National Seed in 2023 (#8)Winning in the “big” games will be crucial for Duke this seasonVirgina Tech #3:They have historically had great pitchingThey had 100+ homeruns in 2023- great bats!Didn’t execute and win the important games, which proved to be the difference makers throughout their seasonEmma Lemley in the circle- illegal pitches, NCAA pitching rule changesPitching- Step/ Stride Rule Chage:RULE: “To allow pitchers to disengage from the playing surface during the delivery. The pitcher’s pivot foot could become airborne with one push from the pitcher’s plate. However, pitchers would not be allowed to replant their pivot foot resulting in pushing off from a second point and the pitcher being farther away from the pitcher’s plate. Britt’s thoughts on the rule changeAlex’s thoughts on the rule changeNotre Dame #4: Interesting pre-season ranking given how their season played out last yearHosted ACC Champs, lost the opening round gameLeadership has been a theme for the team heading into the seasonKarina Gaskins- 2022 ACC POYRepeating success is HARDLouisville #5:Transfer portal: lost Korbe Otis, Sarah GordonGraduated in ‘23: Taylor Roby- Louisville career leader in HR’sFilling the shoes of last year’s players- dealing with change and finding their identityBuying into that identity will be crucial for the CardinalsHaving a sense of self- finding a team identity and the importance of it!University of North Carolina (UNC) #6:New coaching staff- Donna J. Papa retires New Head Coach- Megan Smith Lyons- UNC AlumAutumn Owen- transfer to UNC from MarshallUNC style of play- competitive, grittyGeorgia Tech #7:Another interesting ranking, finished ‘23 10th in the ACCNew coaching staff- anxious to see how the team adapts to changeStrength of schedule is solid- opening weekend plays Alabama twice and then heads to Clearwater for the Clearwater Invitational- such a huge tournament and opportunity for GT to get better and see what they’re made ofVirginia #8:New assistant coaches- Joanna Hardin bringing in new assistants and has had to do this a few times, has done a great job adapting to the changes and keeping the program’s culture at the forefront of her missionAssociate Head Coach- thoughts on the elevation of the position and how it’s relevance is spreading across the countryRetention focus to avoid coaches leaving programsSyracuse #9:Alumni as assistant coaches- Sydney O’Hara- was an All- American for the Orange, 2- way player and now able to give back to her program, having experienced it first handSyracuse has a great strength of in conference schedule this season- playing VT, Duke, Clemson and Florida StateNorth Carolina (NC) State #10:2023 was a DOOZYCoaching staff was let-go mid seasonDirector of Ops became the interim head coach, Grad Assistant became the Assistant coachRespect the Wolfpack’s resiliencyNew coaching staff- Lindsay Leftwich named as Head CoachBoston College #11:Important to take ownership of their identity to be in the driver’s seat of their wins and successesInteresting hire of Cody Damon- player development coach and bringing more intelligence to the coaching perspective, not necessarily a softball specific backgroundPittsburgh #12:New coaching staff- Jenny AllardPrevious HC at Harvard, 28 years there- Ivy League’s longest tenured and most winningest coachImportance of hiring solid assistantsTransferred out: Dani DrogemullerInterview with Donna Papa and JoAnne Graf- two LEGENDS of the coaching world (a combined 2,805 wins between the two coaches)History of the ACC and UNC & FSU’s involvement in the conferenceGrowth of the conferenceAdditions of teamsAdditions of coverage- ACC Network, ESPN broadcasted gamesAdditions of facilities and amenities added for athletes and fansThe evolution of the student athlete and the sportSoftball being shown on TVNIL and its impactTransfer portal and its impactACC scope compared nationally amongst other conferencesCal & Stanford joining the ACCChanges within the conferenceThank you and closing remarks

In this introductory episode of Up the Coast with Alex and Britt, you meet your hosts for the 2024 season and of this podcast, as well as learn their purpose for starting the podcast and what you can expect from them all season long.Brittany McKinney, a UNC Tarheel born and bred, has a lot of experience in the sport as a former player, coach, and analyst. While Brittany played collegiately in Chapel Hill, she also played professionally for several years after. Brittany serves as an analyst for ACC Network and ESPN.Alex Powers is a Florida State alumni. She bleeds garnet and gold and attests much of who she is as credit to having been a Seminole under Head Coach, Lonni Alameda’s leadership. Alex won 4 ACC Championships, went to the Women’s College World Series twice, was the 2016 ACC Player of the Year and was a 2x NFCA All American while at Florida State. Alex continued her career, playing professionally for 5 seasons after college, retiring in 2021. Alex serves as an analyst on ACC Network, ESPN and ESPN+.Brittany and Alex walk listeners through what to expect from their weekly podcast including interviews with coaches and players, weekend previews and recaps, and all things ACC softball related. The goal is to give listeners an inside scoop of their favorite programs and give our take on who’s hot and who’s not throughout the duration of the season. We will dive into the nitty gritty, informing listeners of the “who, why and how” teams are doing performing as well as the “what” is making them stand out. We’ll get in depth on areas of improvement that we want to see out of specific programs and further explain some of the things that the teams are doing really well.Tune in for the 2024 season with the Up the Coast with Alex and Britt to follow full ACC Softball coverage and learn more about your favorite teams and players!If you have specific requests or ideas that you want to learn more about for specific teams or players, leave your thoughts in the comments below!