EAST LANSING— As winter storms cover Michigan State’s campus in snow, MSU softball has found warmer weather in Athens, Georgia participating in the Red and Black Showcase.
The Spartans split their first two games Friday, defeating Longwood 7-2 before falling to No. 11 Georgia 10-2 in a mercy-rule loss. With a 2-5 overall record, MSU has a chance to even its season mark by winning out this weekend.
The key contributors for MSU in this showcase have been freshman Jacey Schuler and junior Hannah Hawley.
Schuler pitched a complete game against Longwood, allowing only three hits and one run while recording 12 strikeouts. She was replaced by senior Madison Taylor in the fifth inning but returned to the mound after Taylor failed to record an out.
Hawley has provided the offensive spark for MSU. She went 3-for-6 in Friday’s games, including a 2-for-2 performance against Georgia, and is one of two Spartans to record hits in both games.
Saturday’s schedule includes a doubleheader against familiar foes, starting with Georgia less than 24 hours after their first meeting, followed by a second matchup with Longwood. To close out the weekend MSU will play Western Carolina Sunday morning.
Keys to beating Georgia (7-0)
In their first meeting, the Spartans kept it close early, tying the game in the third inning 2-2. However, fielding errors and a dominant Georgia made the difference. MSU committed three fielding errors that ultimately led to runs, while the Bulldogs collected 12 hits in five innings, ending the game early with junior Jaydyn Goodwin’s three-run homer.
Goodwin was a problem for MSU’s pitching, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Limiting her production will be key to staying competitive. Additionally, cleaning up defensive mistakes and avoiding free baserunners could help the Spartans keep the game close and put pressure on the Bulldogs.
Keys to beating Longwood (2-5)
MSU effectively stranded Longwood baserunners in the first matchup, leaving six Lancers on base compared to three Spartans. The pitching and defense stepping up, combined with timely hitting, helped MSU turn a three-hit margin into a five-run victory.
Shutting down junior Sophia Knock again would be a boost. Knock, who boasts a .375 batting average with a 1.420 OPS, went 0-for-3 in the first meeting. Another strong pitching performance, from Schuler paired with contributions from players like sophomore Kendall Smiley—who went 3-for-3 in Friday’s win—could give the Spartans a sweep over Longwood.
Keys to beating Western Carolina (1-5)
Western Carolina’s offense is driven by two key players: sophomore Lily Bell and graduate student Imara Harrell. Bell has been a dynamic leadoff hitter, batting .563, striking out just once, and going a perfect 4-for-4 in stolen bases. Keeping her off the basepaths will be crucial, as Western Carolina has struggled to generate scoring opportunities without her.
Harrell has a .545 slugging percentage but has struggled with consistency, recording more strikeouts than hits. She takes advantage of pitchers’ mistakes but has yet to establish a rhythm at the plate.
If MSU’s pitchers contain her and Bell, Western Carolina’s offense could stall, giving the Spartans a strong chance to secure the win.
MSU’s game against Georgia begins Saturday at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Longwood rematch at 6 p.m. The showcase wraps up for the Spartans Sunday at 10:30 a.m. against Western Carolina.
