The College World Series opens Friday with upstart Stony Brook facing No. 2 national seed UCLA in the opener and two-time defending national champion South Carolina playing 2011 runner-up Florida at night.

Stony Brook's players have been getting the rock-star treatment
since their stunning super-regional victory at LSU. They'll
undoubtedly be the fan favorites.

Stony Brook coach Matt Senk has told his players to enjoy their
new celebrity -- and then be ready to show up and play ball.

South Carolina overcame losses in five of its first six Southeastern Conference games to make it back to Omaha. The Gamecocks have lost three of four to the Gators this season.

Another first-time CWS team, Kent State, plays Saturday against
Arkansas. The other game Saturday matches Arizona and Florida
State.