Up the Coast Alex Powers & Brittany McKinney

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, 2024
Quick rundown of scores of the weekend

Clemson vs BC- Clemson 2-1
Duke vs VT - Duke 3-0
UNC vs ND- UNC 2-1
Syracuse vs GT- Syracuse 2-1
Pitt vs Louisville- Louisville 2-1
FSU vs NC State- FSU 3-0

Most surprising outcome of series or game
-Abby Dunning and BC
-GT lost the series at Syracuse
-Duke swept VT


Hot 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 PiOY
Jaysoni Beachum Freshman of the Year; ACC & NCAA
Through 33 games-
Hitting .470
6 Ks
7 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR
Starting third baseman for the Noles- 2 errors
Hitting .500 in conference play
-Replays/ challenges; ACC, but also across the country

RPI
-8 Duke
-13 Clemson
-23 VT
-26 FSU
-28 UVA

Looking 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 Season
Duke (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 plays
North 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 in
Notre 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 ups
Pitt (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 midweek
Syracuse (13-11, 1-5)  v Virginia (17-9, 5-4)
Syracuse beat UVA on Friday 6-1Madison...