Their approach and mentality is already different from what it was this time last June. Virginia is seeking to reap the benefits of experience from reaching the College World Series in consecutive years. “It’ll help tremendously,” Cavaliers junior shortstop and leadoff hitter Griff O’Ferrall said.

“We have a lot of returners on this team that got to go to Omaha last year, and I think the first time you’re there, you’re just kind of there and it’s a whole experience and you don’t know what to look for. There’s a lot going on. “And we’re going to enjoy it just as much this year,” O’Ferrall continued, “but I think we’re going into it with more of the demeanor that we’re going to do some damage rather than go there just to be there.

” The Hoos lost both games they played in Omaha a year ago, and want more success this time around during UVa’s seventh trip to the CWS. But if the No. 12-seed Hoos are going to advance through their side of the bracket, they’ll need to do so against three programs similarly rich in longstanding pedigree, including two from the Cavaliers’ own league in the ACC.

UVa plays the CWS opener against No. 4-seed North Carolina on Friday at 2 p.m.

ET at Charles Schwab Field, and the other game in the four-team pod between No. 1-seed Tennessee and No. 8-seed Florida State will be played at 7 p.

m. The two losers of those games meet Sunday at 2 p.m.

in an elimination game, while the two winners are due to play at 7 p.m. on.