N.C. State prepares for women's NCAA Tournament opener

The N.C. State women's basketball team is eager to start their journey in the NCAA Tournament this Saturday. They are aiming for another successful run, having reached the Final Four last year. However, the team knows they must stay focused on their first-round game against Vermont. Coach Wes Moore expressed excitement about hosting the game and praised his team's hard work. N.C. State is the No. 2 seed in the Spokane 1 region. Player Saniya Rivers mentioned that while it's tempting to think about returning to the Final Four, they must take it step by step. The Wolfpack have a strong record of 26 wins and 6 losses this season. They've achieved top 16 seeds in five of the last six tournaments. Moore is under pressure to maintain that success and ensure his team performs well. Meanwhile, Vermont's team, the Catamounts, won their conference tournament recently and hopes to make a surprise in the tournament. Their coach, Alisa Kresge, is confident that their recent experience will help them handle the pressure against an established team like N.C. State. In another first-round game, No. 7 seed Michigan State will face No. 10 seed Harvard. Coaches Robyn Fralick and Carrie Moore have a history together, and this matchup marks a special reunion for them. Players Grace VanSlooten and Gabby Anderson also share a connection, having played together in their youth. Overall, excitement is high as these teams prepare to compete in the tournament. Each match will be crucial as they strive to advance further in March Madness.