CWS 2024: NC State looks to write new chapter after 2021 exit due to COVID-19 protocols

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - For No. 10 NC State a return to Omaha brings memories of their premature exit in the 2021 Men’s College World Series. The Wolfpack and Vanderbilt were set to play with the final spot in the best-of-three finals on the line. The morning before their match-up with the Commodores at 1 p.m., NC State was eliminated due to COVID-19 protocols.

“They were robbed wrongfully of something by-- I don’t know-- I guess you could say a committee or a couple of people that didn’t have enough information and didn’t make very good decisions,” said NC State head baseball coach Elliott Abent shortly after touching down in Omaha on Wednesday. “I’ll never forget that. And I’ll always be upset about that, but this minus six or seven players is a whole different team and we never once talked about ‘21.”

Back for the first time since 2021, with only six players from that last CWS squad, the Wolfpack looks to write a new chapter in their Omaha history book. Maybe this time around NC State will leave with some new hardware.

”It fuels you to try and come back here, but I’m not motivated by anything that happened three years ago,” said Wolfpack pitcher Sam Highfill who tossed seven-and-one-third innings in NC State’s 1-0 win against Vanderbilt in Omaha in ‘21. “Every day you work so you can get back here.”

”It’s cool to get back here and have the opportunity to do it for them,” said NC State redshirt junior Carson Falsken. “You know, go out on the right foot, win a few ball games, and hopefully put a ring on the finger.”

The Wolfpack lost their first game in Omaha against Kentucky. Now NC State looks to stay alive Monday at 1 p.m. CT in an elimination against Florida.

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