STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University softball coach Vann Stuedeman has been reluctant in the preseason to name a starting lineup.
Don’t look for that to change in her first season as head coach at MSU.
Stuedeman said she will play the best nine hitters every week, so the Bulldogs should expect multiple lineup changes as they try to take advantage of their offensive opportunities.
The work in progress will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday when MSU plays South Alabama in the Mardi Gras Classic in Mobile, Ala.
MSU will face four teams in the four-day event before it plays Tuesday at Samford and then returns home for the Bulldog Round Robin next weekend.
“We have a good race going for who is going to solidify the outfield positions,” Stuedeman said. “On the infield, each player has practiced some at all four infield spots. In the circle, we have five players who are itching to get the ball. They each want to show what they can do. We have some depth. We have some leadership. The schedule is full of challenges. Right off the bat, we will learn a lot about this team.”
A year ago, MSU finished 24-32, which led to the end of Jay Miller’s tenure after nine seasons as coach. Miller led the Bulldogs to six regional appearances, but his tenure ended with back-to-back losing seasons.
Stuedeman’s charge is to do better with a team that was picked fourth in the preseason in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division.
“I am really excited about the attitude and work ethic of this team,” Stuedeman said. “They have worked extremely hard since the beginning of the fall. It is hard to find a player who has not improved since the beginning of the year.
“We see an attitude and a hunger, which is going to help us through this season. We have a demanding task ahead. There is no doubt about that. The best way you can approach such a task is by working hard, rolling up your sleeves, and getting after it.”
The Bulldogs return 17 letterwinners and seven position starters from last season. The entire pitching staff also returns. Stuedeman said that will be a key to success.
“We have not named a starter for Thursday,” Stuedeman said. “However, if you look at each pitcher you see a player who has improved from the fall and through the offseason. It really excites me that each pitcher wants to be the one who is called upon.”
Misty Flesher, Lindsey Dunlap, Stephanie Becker, Kylie Vry, and Shana Sherrod will compete for innings.
“We will use each pitcher as frequently as we can,” Stuedeman said. “Don’t look for a set rotation. I want to put each pitcher in a position where they can be successful as individuals and overall for our team. You are going to see a lot more of a baseball-style pitching rotation.
“Pitchers won’t be sitting out because we plan to have starters, middle relievers, and closers. We will be as creative as possible and set each individual pitcher up for success. The more confidence they gain, the more they will be able to contribute to the team.”
Stuedeman comes to MSU after 11 seasons as pitching coach at the University of Alabama. Her expertise, along with guidance from volunteer assistant coach Kelsi Dunne, should help a staff that was last in the SEC with a 4.90 ERA in 2011.
Becker and Vry combined for 15 wins last season, and each one threw 121 or more innings. Flesher and Dunlap are battling back from injuries.
Stuedeman said as many as seven options in the outfield. The group is headlined by senior Brittany Bell and junior Jessica Cooley in right field. Senior Brittany Gates, of Houston, and sophomore Jessica Offutt are in center field. Left fielders include junior Shelby Fisher, sophomore Rachel Zdeb, and freshman Ashley Phillips, of Water Valley. There are three other Mississippians on the roster. Stuedeman said the former Water Valley High School standout showed power in the fall and is catching up to the speed of the game.
In the infield, sophomore Sam Lenahan returns after being the team’s catcher last season. She will be backed by senior Ka’ili Smith behind the plate. The player who doesn’t catch will play first base. Freshman Megan Nesbit is the other option at first base.
“It is really difficult to catch every game in this league,” Stuedeman said. “While Sam is great at that position, KK (Smith) also has the ability to play back there. She can block the ball and throw out runners as well. So, we feel like we are in good shape.”
Smith hit a team-best .348 last year, while Lenahan leads returnees with eight home runs and 36 RBIs.
The second baseman and shortstops includes sophomore Heidi Shape, junior Erin Nesbit, and freshman Courtney Vanlandingham. Stuedeman said they will split duties at the positions based on the offensive threats posed by the opposing teams.
Shape and Vanlandingham will anchor third base. Freshman Swayze Hollenhead, of East Webster High, also will compete for playing time.
“Swayze has been a quick learner,” Stuedeman said. “We are working on helping her with the speed of the game. She needs to learn how to recognize each player’s quirks. The ability to read the slappers is
important at that position. She has done a really good job so far and is a quick learner.”
MSU also will have plenty to learn, from the quirks of its coaches to the intricacies of a new system. Still, Stuedeman has plenty of experience in the SEC and knows what it takes to get to the top.
“This team has worked awfully hard,” Stuedeman said. “You see an attitude and a determination, which makes it fun to come to work every day. There is no doubt we are ready to get this thing started.”
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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