North Carolina is the only state in the nation to host two NCAA baseball super regionals this year. The University of North Carolina Tar Heels will kick off their series against the Arizona Wildcats on Friday at noon in Chapel Hill. The Wildcats managed to squeeze in practice before leaving Tucson, a smart move as rain canceled Thursday’s outdoor practice in Chapel Hill. Cameras were not allowed inside, but the teams will face off in front of a national audience on Friday. The first team to win twice will advance to the College World Series. This marks the first meeting between the two schools since 1990 and their first-ever encounter in the NCAA tournament.
Duke University is the other in-state team hosting a super regional, with their game scheduled for Saturday. In total, three ACC teams are hosting super regionals, with Louisville facing off against ACC rival Miami.
In other sports news, the Edmonton Oilers secured a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, with Leon Draisaitl scoring the game-winner. Game 2 is set for Friday night at 8 p.m.
The UFL playoffs begin Sunday, with former ECU head coach Skip Holtz leading his Birmingham Stallions into the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. Holtz has won all three championships in USFL and UFL history. The Stallions will host the Michigan Panthers, a team they defeated 26-22 just 10 days ago, in Alabama at 3 p.m. Later, former J.H. Rose star Cornell Powell and the D.C. Defenders will take on the Battlehawks at 6 p.m. on FOX.
In track and field news, D.H. Conley track star Joseph McCrary announced he is heading to Livingstone College. McCrary, who specializes in short, fast races and served as captain of the Vikings track team, will continue his track career in Salisbury.