STARKVILLE — Ole Miss softball coach Mike Smith had Sarah Van Schaik’s number circled on the lineup card.
Van Schaik didn’t figure prominently into her team’s Southeastern Conference game with Mississippi State for quite some time. However, Smith knew the freshman’s time was coming.
“I was holding her for that one spot,” Smith said. “I knew she could deliver when we needed it the most. She did just that.”
Van Schaik hit a pinch-hit three-run home run in the top of the sixth inning to lift Ole Miss past Mississippi State 4-3 Saturday night before a crowd of 1,474 at Nusz Park.
Van Schaik played at Petal High School, where she helped the Panthers to a pair of Mississippi High School Activities Association state championships. Saturday’s win meant more to her since she is only one of four Mississippians on her team.
“This was so special,” Van Schaik said. “I had been waiting to play these games since I got to campus. I didn’t know if I was going to get to play or not, so this has been a frustrating week. The home run was special, though. It is my first collegiate home run, and to hit it against State is just an incredible feeling. I will always remember this game and this night.”
Van Schaik suffered a concussion in a game last Friday at Oklahoma State. She was cleared by the medical staff to play Friday. Smith was excited to have her back for this series.
“She is a Mississippi girl, so this was a really a big deal,” Smith said. “To see that smile break out on her face as she rounded third base, that was special. I am so proud for her. I am so proud for this team.”
When the week began, Ole Miss (27-9, 3-4 SEC) was No. 32 in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), while MSU (20-14, 1-6) was No. 33. While the Bulldogs are aiming for a fifth-straight regional, this is newfound territory for the Rebels, who have never played in the NCAA tournament.
“We are really changing the nation’s attitude on Ole Miss,” said Smith, who is in his second season. “On a national level, people are beginning to take notice. When you talk about the good softball programs, you are now hearing people talk about Ole Miss. It is such an uphill climb in this league, but you make that climb with excitement and passion.”
Van Schaik believed in the sales pitch from Smith. She has seen her team make monster strides since the start of the season. Ole Miss has taken one game in three-straight conference series. The other league wins have come against nationally ranked Kentucky and Missouri.
“When we looked online Monday and saw that we were in the top 30 (in the rankings),” Van Schaik said. “That just made everybody’s day. This is something totally new for Ole Miss. To come here and be a part of changing things is exciting. We won a lot of games early and that really got us some confidence.”
MSU built a 2-1 lead in the second inning on an RBI double by Sarai Niu and bases-loaded walk to Alexis Silkwood. Smith then made a pitching change with the bases loaded and no outs. Madi Osias (14-3) saved the game with three-straight outs to snuff the threat.
For MSU, Regan Green (5-5) pitched the first six innings. She almost escaped the sixth inning getting two groundouts after a walk and error. Van Schaik then changed everything with her line shot over the center-field wall.
In the home half of the sixth, Kayla Winkfield had an RBI double. However, Kayla Landwehrmier worked through the heart of the Bulldogs’ order and then pitched the seventh for her first save.
“To win the first game in a series is huge,” Smith said. “We have been highly competitive in the conference series and that is something new for us. Looking forward to seeing how we come out and build on this win.”
The series continues with a 6 p.m. start today (ESPNU) and a 6 p.m. game Monday (SEC Network).
The Bulldogs will look to snap a six-game losing streak.
“What an outstanding atmosphere and competitive softball game,” MSU coach Vann Stuedeman said. “We had a couple of plays we didn’t make and it cost us dearly.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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