Loza looks for more improvement for State pitchers

Alyssa Loza looks forward to the continued improvement for herself and the Mississippi State softball pitchers under the direction of position coach Josh Johnson.

In Johnson’s first season with the Bulldogs, the earned run average went from 3.36 in 2019 to 1.36 last season, which was fourth in the country.

Even though MSU did not see if that paced would have kept up after the season was interrupted and eventually cut short due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the improvement was evident.

Loza points to the leadership of Johnson.

“Josh did a phenomenal job in the fall coming in, really working with us, improving our skills and letting us know there was something to be learned,” Loza said. “His way of coaching really benefited us and I’m really excited to have an opportunity to come back here next year and learn even more.”

Loza made seven appearances and four starts for the Bulldogs last season, but was very good in those opportunities. She had a 1-0 record and a 1.26 ERA.

MSU’S season was halted right before starting Southeastern Conference play and that left the future for seniors like Loza in limbo.

When the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility for spring sports seniors, Loza said she was “super stoked” about getting another chance to play with the Bulldogs and thanked everyone involved for making it happen.

“I’m grateful that the NCAA and our administrators allowed for that opportunity to happen for us,” Loza said. “I’m just glad to be able to come back and play with the majority of these girls. We should be even better.

“We were getting better every day at practice (last season). We were definitely excited to get out there and compete in the SEC, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to do that, but I understand. Hopefully during this time, we’re all taking precautions to stay safe.”

Loza wore the unusual No. 98 on her jersey with the thought in mind that “all nine for eight” and does that in the memory of former MSU player Alex Wilcox.

Wilcox, who wore No. 8, died of ovarian cancer almost two years ago in June of 2018 and Loza said one of the best things about coming back is she’ll be able to keep using No. 98.

“I’m going to represent 98 to the best of my ability,” Loza said. “I’m going to play every game and every practice for her.”