Returning home to Old College Field after more than a month of road games, the MSU softball team (15-10) begins its home schedule against Valparaiso (3-8) on Saturday.
MSU looks to improve upon its 0-3 record when facing nationally ranked opponents this year with the start of their home schedule and Big Ten Conference games.
Head coach Jacquie Joseph conceded the team has dropped a couple of games they could have pulled out, but added that they are in a good position for this time of the year.
"We are exactly where I thought we would be," she said.
"There were a couple bumps in the road because of poor defense, but the positives outweigh the negatives - we are scoring lots of runs."
And MSU has shown its offensive potential already in the season, averaging 4.96 runs per game.
They are led by offensive juggernaut senior Nat Furrow, who plays first base. Furrow has a .469 batting average this year and recorded a first career grand slam in a 10-0 win against Oakland on March 20.
"I am really pleased with the offense," Furrow said. "Our goal is to stay there and steadily improve."
A strong offense is a key to winning if MSU continues its poor defensive game. It has a meager .948 fielding percentage compared to its opponents' .969.
On average, one of the 3.64 runs allowed per game is unearned.
But the bright spot in MSU's defense is senior pitcher Jessica Beech, who has thrown two of her three career no-hitters this season. She leads the team with a 1.82 ERA and 11 wins.
Joseph said she thinks Beech has yet to show her best performance.
"We haven't seen her best stuff yet. She's doing well - has done well and can do better," she said.
Joseph added that the team is lacking a pitcher to challenge Beech's performance this year.
"We've got to find a number two pitcher," she said. "We need someone to step up."
Looking forward to a Big Ten schedule that features games against Illinois and Iowa on the road in the next two weeks, MSU is preparing for a tough road ahead.
"Every game is an absolute battle in the Big Ten," Joseph said.
Furrow said they will take the season one game at time.
"All teams are evenly matched," Furrow said. "I'm just excited to get in and compete."
Beech said facing opponents on the road for the first month of the season gave more experience to a young team, which benefits them in the long run.
"More than anything, on the road we came together as a team and put together a well-rounded game from all aspects," she said. "The beginning of the season is when we work to get the kinks out."
In the home opener against Valparaiso on Saturday, Joseph looks for the team to stay focused and put forth a solid performance that sets the tone for the upcoming Big Ten Conference games. She said MSU "will show mental maturity" in the opener.
