It is Iowa against North Carolina Friday night in the opening round of an NCAA baseball regional in Terre Haute, Indiana. The second seeded Hawkeyes are 42-14 and have feasted on bullpens in averaging nearly eight-and-a-half runs per game. Coach Rick Heller says that will be a tougher challenge against the Tar Heels.

Heller says the Bullpen may be North Carolina’s biggest strength. The Tar Heels are 35-22.

It is Iowa’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017 and the Hawkeyes believe they have what it takes to make a deep run.

Heller says the Hawkeyes have played with energy and confidence in winning 17 of their last 21 games.

Heller says the key will be how his team plays.

The opening game of the regional has top seeded Indiana State taking on Wright State.