(Dave Hunt scoring a try for the Wolfpack against GA Tech)

The Wolfpack, after defeating Ole Miss in the south quarterfinals playoff match, earned their spot to play in the South final four tournament in Murfreesboro, TN this past weekend, March 27th and 28th. NC State was due to play Georgia Tech on Saturday, and the winner of Kennesaw State and Appalachian State on Sunday for the South D2 Championship. Murfreesboro is a long way from Raleigh, it takes about10 to 11 hours to travel it, and the fact that one section of I-40 is still closed wouldnt help. NC State arrived in Murfreesboro real real early on Saturday morning.

It had recently rained fairly heavily, and the ground was soggy at the MTSU fields. This made footing a little big of an issue, but not too bad. It was also a very windy day on Saturday, and continued to be windy for the duration of the match. The  match kicked off at 1pm, and the Wolfpack got off to a quick start. The Wolfpack quickly scored the first points, and never let up. GA Tech had their moments in the game, although failed to place the ball for a try the entire game. The only points that NC State allowed, were three for a penalty kick. The Wolfpack dominated in this game, and the final score was 32-3.

The outcome of this game had far-reaching implications. The winner of the games on Saturday would go through to the National Sweet Sixteen Tournament in Sanford, Florida. The Wolfpack, in their 45 years of existence, had never made it through to the National Sweet Sixteen. With their win over GA Tech on Saturday, NC State made the D2 National Sweet Sixteen for the first time in the clubs history, and also fulfilled a pre-season goal. This victory and achievement also shows the complete turn-around that the Wolfpack have made in one year; the previous spring season they only won a total of two games, and the win places the Wolfpackat 6-0-1. The Wolfpack will now travel down to Sanford, Florida for the D2 National Sweet Sixteen on April 17th and 18th. Their opponent will be Pacific TU #1, who has been determined to be Cal Maritime Academy.

Playing at the same time, AppalachianState defeated Kennesaw State, meaning this is who the Wolfpack would play on Sunday for the South Championships. The game was played in sloppy conditions on Sunday, since it rained heavily that morning. As usual, the game against App State is a slug-fest, since our teams know each other so well, and meet many times over the course of a given season. The Wolfpack were on the attack for most of the first half, and the ball didnt leave the Mountaineers side of the field until the last 10 minutes of the half, when App State started to successfully move the ball on NC State. The score at halftime was 0-0. The second half of the game was controlled by App State, who came out strong, and whose fitness prevailed over the Wolfpacks. App State scored in the 65th minute, and then put up 2 more unanswered scores. NC State was playing strong and holding their own until the better fitness of App State got the best of the Wolfpack, who allowed the scoring to start for App. The game ended 17-0 for an App State victory, who won the D2 South Championship.

It was a disappointing loss for the Wolfpack, who had beaten App State earlier on in the season. When the Wolfpack and App State met earlier this season, it was a very tight game, and the Wolfpack were lucky to come away with a victory. It is clear to see how having practice fields helped the Mountaineers out, and allowed them to prevail. Although NC State did not come away as the South Champs, they are still going to Sanford, Fl, for the National Sweet sixteen tournament, for the first time. Wish the Wolfpack luck as they hope to push through to the D2 National Final Four!

Starting side for both matches:
1. Mark Addison
2. Stephan Bahner
3. Abe Harman
4. Matt Daniels
5. Aaron Mclean
6. Matt Pace
7. Chris Pearce
8. Andrew Birch
9. Phillip Burcal (captain)
10. Bryan Maxwell/Will Teague
11. David Mcallister
12. Brandon Mosiman
13. David Hunt
14. Will Durway
15. Will Teague/ Bryan Maxwell
Subs
Eddie Youngs- Lock
Alex Compton- Wing

Match Summary by: Phillip Burcal