MSU softball team rallies past No. 3 Alabama

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman believes in playing the game, not the opponent.

Stuedeman feels teams too often spend unnecessary time and energy thinking about the other team rather than focusing on what it needs to do to be successful. In the Southeastern Conference, when ranked opponents usually are in the opposing dugout, that kind of thinking can make it difficult to get results.

Lenahan, MSU softball team keep believing

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior catcher Sam Lenahan talks passionately about her coach stressing the importance of believing.

MSU coach Vann Stuedeman wants the Bulldogs to continue to battle and to believe as they finish the final stretch of a daunting Southeastern Conference schedule.

Sulligent’s Johnson gives back at Pickens County banquet

Even though he is preparing for his sixth season in the National Football League, Rashad Johnson still gets nervous.

Johnson spoke with nervousness, but he also spoke with a purpose Monday night at the Pickens County High School football banquet.

Wild pitch lifts MSU past USM in 11th

PEARL — When Derrick Armstrong raced home with the game-winning run, a lot of anxiety was lifted from the Mississippi State baseball team.

Armstrong scored on a walk-off wild pitch to help No. 17 MSU defeat Southern Mississippi 4-3 in 11 innings Tuesday night before a crowd of 3,379 at Trustmark Park.

Pickens County celebrates state championship

REFORM, Ala. — For Pickens County High School football players, this night was a long time in the making.

Lee throws three-hitter as Columbus shuts out Starkville

Columbus High School senior Michael Sturdivant admits the Falcons were in need of a second boost of confidence.

Winkfield emerges at shortstop for MSU softball

STARKVILLE — Sophomore shortstop Kayla Winkfield is known to her Mississippi State softball coaches and teammates as “Wink.”

The name “Blink” would be just as appropriate.

Heritage Academy rallies past Starkville Academy

Heritage Academy freshman pitcher Logan Sneed wasn’t caught up in the rivalry against Starkville Academy or the playoff ramifications his team faced Tuesday night.

Freshman Silkwood growing, along with rest of MSU softball team

STARKVILLE — When Mississippi State desperately needed a lift on the softball diamond Sunday afternoon, head coach Vann Stuedeman turned to a freshman.

MSU softball rolls over Samford in non-conference play

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior second baseman Heidi Shape knew it had been a long time since she had hit a grand slam.

Mattox sisters motivate each other

STARKVILLE — When Starkville High School cross country and track and field performer Walker Mattox needs extra motivation, she doesn’t have to call or text a teammate.

Instead, she calls throughout the house for her sister, Kate, who has emerged as one of the Yellow Jackets’ top performers in each of the past three seasons.

EMCC baseball team ranked with nation’s best

With East Mississippi Community College having established itself as a national championship in contender in football and men’s basketball, baseball coach Chris Rose is excited to see his program join that elite level.

If early season success is any indication, the Lions are well on their way.

MSU softball will try to gain ground at Auburn

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State softball coach Vann Stuedeman knew the struggles might come for a deep and talented crop of newcomers.

However, she hoped the confidence her team gained from winning its first 15 games this season was going to be enough to keep the momentum going through the toughest of times.

Walters Column: Mississippi Coliseum always provides memories

Even after all of these years, there is still something special about the Mississippi Coliseum.

Caledonia softball beats Columbus

Caledonia High School fast-pitch softball coach Robin Elmore has a checklist of items she wants her team to accomplish every game.

Defense does job for South Jones

JACKSON — South Jones High School girls basketball coach Sherri Cooley made some mental notes when her team played New Hope nine months ago in a summer league game.

MSU softball loses finale to No. 8 Kentucky

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State senior first baseman Logan Foulks had preconceived notions about the newcomers on this year’s softball team.

MSU softball faces No. 8 Kentucky for weekend series

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State took a large amount of confidence from playing No. 12 Baylor to an extra-inning defeat last weekend.

Titans’ Williams will get chance at Northeast

CRAWFORD — Jimmie Williams felt the need to accelerate his son’s recruitment.

Starkville High will try to beat Grenada again

STARKVILLE — Starkville High School basketball player Dontavius Self has an infectious smile and an outgoing personality.

It’s easy to see why he could be type of senior leader others would follow.