Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman re-thought part of her coaching philosophy when last season ended.
When MSU struggled in the second half of the season, practice time became even harder. This season, the Bulldogs have been able to take some time away from the diamond. A refreshed outlook has helped the team find the win column on more occasions.
MSU will open a three-game Southeastern Conference series against No. 9 Auburn at 6 tonight (SEC Network +) at Jane B. Moore Field. The Bulldogs will try to win their fourth-straight series win for the first time in six seasons under Stuedeman.
“Now that we have some (SEC) series, everybody is feeling good,” MSU sophomore first baseman Sarai Niu said. “We could never break through last season. It got frustrating. It was difficult to put in all of the hard work and not be rewarded for that effort.”
With six regular-season games remaining, plus the SEC tournament and a potential regional, the Bulldogs are eyeing their first 40-win season under Stuedeman. The Bulldogs have won 39 once and 38 twice.
MSU (34-15, 8-10 SEC) is eighth in the conference standings. The Bulldogs can nail down a SEC tournament berth with one victory this weekend. Auburn (40-8, 12-6) has won its last four series.
After not winning a conference series a year ago, the Bulldogs are feeling good after winning three in a row. MSU has taken two of three games against South Carolina and Arkansas at home and Georgia on the road.
“The confidence level is high,” MSU senior pitcher Alexis Silkwood said. “The main thing is believing you can win. A year ago, we had some doubt. This season, we have confidence every time we take the field.”
Stuedeman said she has given the team more time off and also has made sure it has had more fun times together. She said the team chemistry is the best of any team at MSU.
“The biggest thing about this past weekend was the bench,” Stuedeman said. “They have been the story of the season. Everybody is engaged. Everybody is playing well as a team. I think the encouragement of the players in the dugout is huge.”
In the latest Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), MSU is No. 32, while Auburn is No. 4. The Bulldogs moved up two spots after beating Alcorn State and Arkansas twice this past week. The victories against Arkansas give MSU seven wins against ranked opponents this season.
MSU can aid its cause by taking another series.
“This team grew up a lot (by winning the series) at Georgia,” Stuedeman said. “The intimidation factor of going on the road has been reduced. The players know what it takes to win a series in this league again. We just have to keep playing well because the next two weekends are huge for our postseason.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.