STARKVILLE — Freshman Emily Heimberger had high expectations for her first weekend as part of the Mississippi State softball program.
Those expectations were exceeded Thursday night when a near-capacity crowd filled the new $6.4-million Nusz Park.
The weekend got better and better with Heimberger’s help.
Heimberger had a multiple-hit and multiple-RBI performance Sunday in MSU’s 7-1 victory against Houston on the final day of the Bulldog Kickoff Classic.
MSU finished the four-day event 5-0. It is MSU’s third-straight 5-0 start.
“The whole weekend really blew me away,” said Heimberger, a native of Pawley Islands, South Carolina. “All of the returning players were so excited about the new stadium, so for the freshmen, it already made us feel like we were part of the team and part of something special. The upper classmen have their wins and regionals and all of that.
“But for all of us, we could share together being the first players to play on this field.”
Several first-year players had key performances.
California native Sarai Niu hit two home runs in the tournament, including a game-tying shot in the second inning Sunday.
“I wasn’t expecting one (this weekend),” Niu said. “It really meant a lot to me because my dad (Sai) was here. He came all the way from California, so I really wanted to have a good weekend. There was a lot of emotion with the new stadium and all of that, and I was glad I could do my part.”
Freshman left fielder Kat Moore also had a hit and an RBI. The Holly Springs native, who played at Marshall Academy, also made two nice defensive plays.
“Our freshmen were all over the place making contributions this weekend,” MSU coach Vann Stuedeman said. “That makes you feel great as a coach. Saturday we got some work in from two freshman pitchers (Regan Green and Cori Cooper) we are counting on as well.”
While the first-year players did the bulk of the offensive damage Sunday, the Bulldogs displayed their pitching depth. Stuedeman said ace Alexis Silkwood didn’t pitch by design. She wanted more reps for some new faces but also plans to use Silkwood less often this month.
“Alexis was really tired by the end of the season a year ago,” Stuedeman said. “We need her for games 57, 58, 59. She wasn’t at her best for those games a year ago, so we will do some things differently to make sure she is this season.”
Holly Ward picked up three victories in the tournament, including a complete-game five-hitter Sunday. Ward didn’t pitch a complete seven-inning game last season, she but did so twice in the tournament. Overall, MSU allowed one earned run in 34 innings.
“Could not be more proud of the pitchers,” Stuedeman said. “We all know it’s a step up in competition next weekend. However, to go out there and to control the zone and to challenge hitters and to make pitches as consistently as we did is very pleasing.”
MSU broke the tie with five runs in the fourth inning. A two-run triple down the right-field line by Heimberger was the big blow.
“I was really excited,” Heimberger said. “I have learned so much in the first six months or so here. It’s exciting to come out here every day and to work the process. This team has some potential. It’s good to be part of that.”
Niu also feels at home despite being two time zones from her real home.
“The biggest thing I have learned is you have to believe in yourself,” Niu said. “You can’t leave anything to chance. You just have to go out there and give it your all every day. Sometimes it’s challenging, but when you have weekends like this is it very rewarding.”
MSU will play four games in the South Alabama-hosted Mardi Gras Invitational this weekend. No. 25 South Alabama will be the first foe.
Stuedeman knows what is ahead for her freshmen. She also knows a 5-0 record is a positive step, especially after only five Southeastern Conference teams made it through the weekend undefeated.
“All of the drama and excitement of the new stadium is behind us,” Stuedeman said. “We handled that well. Now it’s the first big road trip of the year. Can’t wait to see how we handle that.”
n No. 5 Alabama 10, Liberty 2, six innings, the No. 5 Crimson Tide closed a 4-1 showing at the UCF Knights Invitational with a victory against the Flames (2-4) on Sunday morning.
Alabama used a five-run third inning to build a big cushion. Demi Turner went 2-for-3 from the leadoff position and drove in two runs. Marisa Runyon was 2-for-3 with an RBI single in the third.
Junior Sydney Littlejohn (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits in four innings. Alexis Osorio pitched two innings of shutout relief. She struck out five and allowed two hits allowed.
Alabama will play at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Alabama-Birmingham (1-4).
Special reports were included in this story.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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