Mississippi State’s softball team continued its hot start Saturday, defeating Belmont 4-1 and Delaware State 19-1 at the Bulldog Invitational in Starkville.
The Bulldogs improved to 14-1, their best 15-game start since 2014. The 18-run victory over Delaware State marked the second-largest margin in school history, according to team officials.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her team’s response after a previous day’s loss, highlighting their focus and energy. “I thought we had a good response to yesterday,” Ricketts said. “In both games, we did a really good job in the first inning of coming out and setting the tone. That’s one of the little things that we work on and make sure is a heavy emphasis for the offense. Overall, I like the energy and focus, especially with a quick turnaround.”
Against Belmont, Mississippi State scored three runs in the first inning and never looked back. Morgan Stiles led off both games with doubles. Alyssa Faircloth struck out seven of the first nine Belmont batters and finished with 13 strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Peja Goold retired all four batters she faced to earn her first save.
The Bulldogs’ offensive outburst against Delaware State included a season-high four home runs and five doubles. The team jumped to a 7-0 lead in the first inning, fueled by Des Rivera’s two-run homer and Gabby Schaeffer’s three-run blast. Morgan Bernardini doubled twice and drove in two runs, while Abigail Stevens and Abby Grace Richardson homered as well.
Schaeffer, who hit her first career homer against Delaware State, received praise from coach Ricketts for her versatility and development. “Gabby’s an athlete,” Ricketts said. “She’s going to be a big-time player for this program. She’s learning to make adjustments and pick up the little things in the game’s speed.”
Offensively, Morgan Bernardini emphasized the team’s approach. “Our main focus is trying not to hit home runs. We’re thinking doubles and line drives. Home runs will come with good team at-bats,” she said.
The Bulldogs’ 19 runs matched their highest total since a 19-14 victory over Middle Tennessee on March 30, 2022. The 18-run margin of victory ranks second in program history.
Several players recorded career firsts, including Gretta Grassel, Carson Smith, and Abigail Stevens. Stevens hit her first home run, struck out once, and earned her first pitching win in her debut on the mound.
Mississippi State continues its invitational Sunday with a game against Delaware State at 10:30 a.m. CT, which will be streamed on SEC Network+.
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