Starkville Gears Up for an Exciting Softball Showdown: ULM vs. No. 21 Mississippi State
Starkville is buzzing with excitement as the ULM Warhawks prepare to face off against the nationally ranked No. 21 Mississippi State Bulldogs this Wednesday at the Nusz Park, where the stakes are high and the energy is palpable!
What’s Been Happening?
After a slight hiccup last week when their game against Grambling State got postponed due to less-than-ideal weather, the Warhawks hit the diamond in Lake Charles, facing the McNeese State Cowgirls in a three-game series. While Saturday’s game saw ULM grab a much-needed victory, the first two matches didn’t go their way, leaving the squad eager for a shot at redemption.
Meanwhile, Mississippi State kicked off their Southeastern Conference play on a high note, clinching a series win against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs have dominated this matchup, winning the last eight games in a row. The last time ULM celebrated a victory over Mississippi State was way back in 2000!
Head-to-Head: A Look at the Stats
When these two teams clash on Wednesday evening, it will mark the 21st meeting between them, with Mississippi State holding a 14-6 advantage in the series. ULM fans are hoping for a change of luck, especially since they haven’t celebrated a victory in Starkville since 1997. Last season, the Bulldogs outplayed ULM with a 7-1 victory in Monroe.
Stars of the Warhawks: Meet the Players
The Warhawks are bringing some serious talent to the field. Newcomer Carys Platt has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a jaw-dropping .471 batting average in her first 25 games. It’s the best in the Sun Belt Conference, and her past experience leading her team to two national championships only adds to her impressive resume.
Lourdes Bacon isn’t far behind. With a stellar .411 batting average, she ranks fifth in the league and is ready to contribute to ULM’s offensive efforts. Not to forget senior Andie Edwards, who’s racked up 18 RBIs and notably hit the most sacrifice flies in the nation this season!
The Throwing Stars
On the pitching side, Maddie Nichols is leading the charge with a remarkable 1.31 ERA and an impressive strikeout tally of 68 batters over 13 appearances. The sophomore from West Monroe has already tossed four complete games, showcasing her skills perfectly.
She’s joined by Victoria Abrams, a transfer from LSU, who boasts a solid 6-3 record with two complete-game shutouts this season, including a perfect game against Green Bay. Kassidy Giddens also shone during the last game against Evansville, demonstrating ULM’s depth in pitching.
The Brown Twins: Double Trouble for Opponents!
The Brown twins, Morgan and Meagan, have been electrifying the offense. Morgan leads the Warhawks with four home runs, a stellar 1.260 OPS, and has already driven in 13 RBIs. On the other hand, Meagan has made a mark with seven extra-base hits and 17 RBIs in her first 24 games. Both sisters hail from Katy, Texas, and fans are eager to see how they contribute against their SEC rivals.
Looking Ahead
As the Warhawks gear up for this crucial game, they’ll quickly shift their focus to Sun Belt Conference play, heading to Hattiesburg to take on Southern Miss this Friday. With their eyes set on improving their record, every game is crucial for the Warhawks as they continue their season.
