STARKVILLE — Sophomore Cassady Knudsen threw the 18th no-hitter in school history Monday to lead the Mississippi State softball team to an 8-0 victory against Alcorn State in five innings at Nusz Park.
Knudsen (4-1) struck out a career-high eight and walked four to help MSU (26-30) win its regular-season finale and gain momentum for the Southeastern Conference tournament, which begins Wednesday in Starkville. No. 12 seed MSU will take on No. 5 seed Alabama at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (SEC Network).
“Cassady (Knudsen) has really been working hard,” MSU coach Vann Stuedeman said. “With our speed at the top of the lineup, it created a little bit of confusion for the opposing team. It was nice to get on the board early like that and then to finish it all off in the bottom of the fourth.”
MSU scored four runs with two outs in the first inning. A two-run double by Mackenzie Toler scored Kayla Winkfield and Emily Heimberger. Toler scored on an infield single by Sarai Niu. Katie Anne Bailey capped the inning with an infield single that scored Calyn Adams.
Caroline Seitz had a two-run home run to left field in a four-run fourth.
Ashley Breal (12-13) allowed all eight of MSU’s runs. She allowed 11 hits, walked one, and struck out three for the Braves (15-26).
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 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.