(NC State before App State game 3/28)

With a forfeit by Clemson, NC State wins the CRL cup. The game against Clemson had been re-scheduled two times, and the deadline for the game to be played was easter weekend. Early on in the week, NC State received communication from Clemson indicating their forfeit, giving NC State the automatic win, and the final 4 points to place them in the lead spot for the CRL points standings.

This game was the last game to be played in the league, and as it stood, USC had 23 points, and NC State had 20 points. All NC State needed was a win to secure the cup, the the forfeit by Clemson gave NC State the 4 points to propel them ahead of USC, 24 to 23 in the points standings. The forfeit was not the ideal way to win the league, NC State was willing and prepared to play the game, although Clemson was either unwilling or unable to secure a field and get a side to play. NC State would have loved for the game to be played out, as it would only have been fair to USC, since anything can happen on any given day in this tight league.

With a victory on Saturday in the south final four, and the forfeit by clemson to give NC State the CRL cup, The Wolfpack have fulfilled their two pre-season goals. The two goals set by the club in a pre-season meeting was to (1) win the CRL cup, and (2) make it to the D2 National Sweet Sixteen. Some people may have considered these very high goals, considering the Wolfpacks season last spring, but the Wolfpack have exceeded all expectations and then some. Both of these pre-season goals have been met, and there is still more left in this season.

Although the Wolfpack will not be a part of the CRL next year, it was still a great league to be a part of. The competition was intense, and it was proven in this league that there is not that much that separates a d1 from a d2 club. The Wolfpack will move into a league comprised of 9 of the ACC schools for the next spring season. It will be kicked off in the Fall of 2010, with a 7s tournament for the participating teams to be hosted in Greensboro, NC.

Congratulations to the Wolfpack for winning the CRL Cup!

Final Points Standings
1 NC State- 24 points
2 USC – 23 points
3 UNC- 20 points
4 App State- 17 points
5 Wake Forest- 10 points
6 Clemson- 6 points
7 ECU- 2 points

Article by: Phillip Burcal