The Mississippi State softball team kicked off its fall ball season this weekend undefeated with four wins.
On Saturday, the softball team won two games, the first against the University of Western Alabama with a score of 13-1 and the second against Wallace State Community College with a score of 27-2.
Senior Kelli Miller was the winning pitcher in the first game, while fellow senior Stephanie Comeaux won the second game.
Freshmen Chelsea Bramlett finished the day with seven hits, while junior shortstop Courtney Bures had five hits, including a home run in the Wallace State game.
Junior center fielder Hayle Guess went 3-for-3 in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Wallace State, with two runs batted in. Senior Sara Hickerson was the winning pitcher. Stephanie Comeaux took the win in their 5-0 victory of West Alabama, while freshmen Laurie Siebert had two RBIs with a single and a double.
Head coach Jay Miller enjoys his team playing games in the fall because he feels it helps to prepare them better for the spring.
“Fall ball really helps us to know what areas we need to improve on before spring, and it gives us an idea of who we want to play where,” Miller said.
The team has a mostly veteran ball club returning this season while also gaining some impressive new talent. The team includes seven seniors and three freshmen.
“We have picked up some really awesome freshmen this year. I’m expecting us to be a much stronger team this year,” Bures said.
Freshmen catcher Chelsea Bramlett from Memphis was one of the top recruits in the country.
“She is an excellent hitter and also a very versatile player. She can play almost anywhere,” Comeaux said.
Freshmen Jessie Bailey is expected to be an asset in pitching and is also able to play third base well. Freshmen Laurie Siebert is expected to see action at third base, while junior transfer Megan Bateman can either catch or play in the outfield.
Senior pitchers Stephanie Comeaux, Sara Hickerson and Kelli Miller are expected to lead the team with their experience and talent.
Senior catcher Blair Geddings returns as well, although she’s recovering from injuries.
All-American center fielder Hayle Guess is expected to have an excellent season as well.
“She will really anchor the outfield. She’s also our leadoff hitter and the person that really gets on base and gets things done,” Miller said.
Senior Katie Cooley, while recovering from an injured thumb, is expected to start at right field in the spring, while Sammie Jo Bailey will be starting at first base.
Senior Katie Johnson will probably start at second base, while senior Michelle Kinney could either play outfield or third base.
“We have a lot of goals for this year,” Miller said. “It’s a battle every time you face anyone in the SEC. It’s such a tough division, but our main goals are to qualify for the NCAA tournament and challenge for the SEC title.”
The softball team returns to action on Saturday afternoon against the University of Alabama-Huntsville.