Nesbit, MSU softball look to solidify NCAA tournament berth

STARKVILLE — For most of her life, Mississippi State University softball player Erin Nesbit has followed a similar path to her sister, Courtney.

Starkville Academy outlasts Heritage Academy in baseball playoff opener

On a night when Starkville Academy had 25 base runners, a defensive play may have saved the Volunteers’ season.

Starkville Academy excited to be back in playoff hunt

STARKVILLE — Archrivals Starkville Academy and Heritage Academy have played each other in numerous sporting events through the years.

However, one would be hard-pressed in recent memory to find a more important baseball game than the one scheduled for 6 tonight in the opener of a best-of-three series in the semifinal round of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA, Division II playoffs at Trip Carson Field in Columbus. The series winner will play next week for the state championship.

RPI numbers still strong for MSU softball

STARKVILLE — A quick glance of the Southeastern Conference softball standings reveals that the University of Tennessee is riding a conference-best 17-game win streak.

That seems quite fitting since the Volunteers are ranked No. 7 in the nation.

The team that has the league’s second longest win streak, though, may be a surprise.

East Oktibbeha’s Brooks staying busy with track, football

CRAWFORD — This isn’t the best time of year to ask East Oktibbeha County High School football and track and field coach Randy Brooks to take a fishing trip or to help with a fix-up project.

Starkville beats Center Hill to advance

STARKVILLE — Debbie Carlisle knew some information her husband would have love to have known Saturday afternoon.

Sitting in the stands on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Carlisle Field, Debbie predicted the Starkville High baseball team was going to turn a double play to escape a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning.

Gates, Bulldogs prepare for Senior Day doubleheader

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University senior outfielder Brittany Gates has a simple reminder.

New Hope rolls over outmanned Lake Cormorant

New Hope High School carried a region championship and tons of momentum into the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A baseball playoffs.

Freeze, Bjork bring Ole Miss’ message to West Point

WEST POINT — First impressions at speaking engagements are extremely important for new coaches.

New University of Mississippi football coach Hugh Freeze is trying to impress at 16 of those engagements this week as the Rebel Road Tour treks through Mississippi and into the states of Tennessee and Alabama.

Fans ready to support Freeze, Bjork, Rebels

WEST POINT — Pat and Judy Clark, of Columbus, have been attending football games at the University of Mississippi almost all of their lives.

EMCC softball ready for MACJC state tournament

SCOOBA — Kate Neely and the East Mississippi Community softball team are ready for a clean slate.

The EMCC coach and the Lions will get just that Thursday when they will take on fifth-ranked Jones Junior College (36-7, 22-2 MACJC South Division) at 2 p.m. in the opening round of the MACJC state tournament. The eight-team, single-elimination tournament will run through Friday at Itawamba C.C. in Fulton.

SEASON ENDS FOR LADY FEDS: Caledonia softball eliminated by Pontotoc

CALEDONIA – Caledonia High School fast-pitch softball coach Robin Elmore kept her squad in the outfield for a lengthy heart-to-heart talk Monday night.

No rest for the weary: Softball Bulldogs begin busy week

STARKVILLE – While most Mississippi State University students have already started planning for next week’s final examinations, the softball team is getting geared up for a busy of week of competition.

MSU softball sweeps Kentucky

STARKVILLE — A Super Bulldog Weekend that began Thursday with the Mississippi State University baseball team winning in walk-off fashion ended Sunday afternoon with the MSU softball team doing the same thing.

Lenahan’s hit lfts MSU past Kentucky

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University softball player Sam Lenahan talked earlier in the week about her desire to attend lots of Super Bulldog Weekend activities.

Season-best crowd watches MSU softball

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University softball coach Vann Stuedeman has approached her first job as a head coach as part coach, part promoter.

On Saturday, both parts worked out pretty well.

Lenahan provides versatile punch for MSU

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University sophomore third baseman Sam Lenahan didn’t have to think twice when the opportunity to play Southeastern Conference softball presented itself.

Two years into her MSU career, the experience has been even better than then Lawrenceville, Ga., native could have imagined.

Ole Miss finds answer in bullpen

PEARL — The University of Mississippi baseball team has had trouble closing games this season.

On Tuesday night, freshman right-hander Hawtin Buchanan provided an answer.

Buchanan earned game Most Valuable Player honors and his first win as Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State 6-3 in the sixth Governor’s Cup at Trustmark Park.

State’s softball coaches trying to help fast-pitch grow

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University first-year softball coach Vann Stuedeman preaches “living in a moment.”

In her opinion, now is the moment for Mississippi high school softball to take the next step and to become a power on the national stage. While Stuedeman builds MSU into a perennial contender, she hopes improved play by teams in the state of Mississippi will help facilitate her program’s growth.

Houston rallies past Caledonia in softball

CALEDONIA — Caledonia High School fast-pitch softball coach Robin Elmore was pleased with almost every aspect of her team’s game Thursday night.

Elmore enjoyed everything except the final score.