Friday, May 3, 2024

Softball

SOFTBALL

Joseph mindful of keeping Spartans focused on present

Prior to last weekend’s series against Minnesota, the MSU softball team was 2-8 in one-run games, including a February stretch in which it lost four out of five games by 2-1 scores. Fast-forward one week after sweeping Minnesota by scores of 2-1 and 7-6, and the Spartans (16-17 overall, 2-2 Big Ten) have a newfound confidence going into this weekend’s series at Indiana (7-21, 0-2). “We weren’t tough enough, and we weren’t finishing, so we had leads, and then we blew it in the end,” MSU softball head coach Jacquie Joseph said. “We’ve been doing that a lot.

SOFTBALL

Late scores push Iowa past MSU softball

After overcoming rain and a three-run first inning deficit, the MSU softball team couldn’t overcome a late Iowa rally, falling 7-6 to the Hawkeyes on Sunday. Two sixth-inning tallies completed Iowa’s comeback from down 6-5 and lifted the Hawkeyes to a one-run win on a wild afternoon that featured several lead changes.

SOFTBALL

Anatomy of a softball pitch

In softball, the pitcher is the heart and soul of the team. “You don’t win unless you have a horse in the circle,” MSU pitching coach Jessica Bograkos said. “You don’t see any teams go the distance without an ace.”

SOFTBALL

Spartans split doubleheader with Nittany Lions

The MSU softball team split a doubleheader against Penn State on Wednesday, taking the nightcap 3-2 but losing the first game 6-3. The Spartans took the lead early in the second game with a deep three-run home run to left field by sophomore outfielder Jessica Bracamonte in the bottom of the first inning.

SOFTBALL

Spartans looking to sustain momentum

Finally healthy, the MSU softball team is rounding into form, even if only six games remain on the schedule. The Spartans notched their first Big Ten wins of the season, sweeping Minnesota over the weekend to move their conference record to 2-11.

SOFTBALL

Softball doubleheader brings victory and defeat

One swing was all that kept the MSU softball team from sweeping Oakland in a double-header with the Golden Grizzlies at Old College Field on Thursday. Instead, the Spartans had to settle for a split, winning the first game 5-1 and dropping the nightcap 4-3 in the extra innings.

SOFTBALL

Spartans stomp Falcons 8-0

After waiting 15 minutes for her at bat, freshman infielder Ali Grant only needed a few seconds to end the game for her team. Playing through rain and wind the entire game, the MSU softball team was forced to take a break from its game against Bowling Green to wait for nearby lightning to pass.

SOFTBALL

Letting it get away

The MSU softball team nearly captured its first Big Ten victory Sunday but lost control in the last few innings, losing to Indiana 5-2 in extra innings, its seventh-straight loss. The Spartans were bolstered early by strong pitching by senior Megan Hair. Hair was nearly flawless through the first four innings, not giving up a hit and allowing only three Hoosiers to reach base.

SOFTBALL

MSU routed by Purdue

After crushing Detroit Mercy in its first homestand, the second time back for the MSU softball team wasn’t as pleasant. The team was beat handily by Purdue in its doubleheader Thursday, losing 12-0 in the first game and 8-3 in the nightcap.

SOFTBALL

No place like home for MSU

After recent snow pushed the MSU softball team’s doubleheader with Purdue to today, the Spartans spent Wednesday’s practice catching up for lost time. Because of scheduling and bad weather, the team wasn’t able to practice on the field for nearly a week, something the team will try to counter as it prepares for one of the fastest teams in the Big Ten, head coach Jacquie Joseph said.