Ricketts debuts as State head coach with roster of experience, youth

Samantha Ricketts may not have experience as a college softball head coach.

What she does have at Mississippi State to launch her first season in that position is veteran players like Mia Davidson, Candace Denis, Fa Leilua and Emily Williams, who have been through the battles of the Southeastern Conference.

The Bulldogs open the season today at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater,

Florida, and Ricketts likes her to get out there, play and upperclassmen as well as the compete, so that’s been a lot newcomers. of fun for us.”

“When I look at MSU returns the team, I see a lot the “Thunder and of experience in returners Lightning” duo as well as a of Davidson and very athletic group Leilua, who combined of freshmen, who for 48 home are excited and are runs for MSU last going to be fun season. Davidson for us moving forward,” RICKETTS had 26 round trippers, Ricketts said. “We’re while Leilua hit 22 getting them acquainted and homers. acclimated with the returners. Davidson and Leilua not They’re really a group of who only hit for power, but for loves softball and they want average as well. Davidson led last year’s team with a .373 batting average, while Leilua hit .345. Denis also hit over the .300 mark at .338.

“Candace is a huge table setter for us, so I think she is kind of an X-factor for our offense,” Ricketts said. “Defenses and other teams don’t know how to play her. She can do a little bit of everything. I think we will see her hitting in front of Mia and Fa, kind of setting the table for them.

“Montana (Davidson) and Carter (Spexarth) have really come a long way too. They both bring great power, speed, and control to our team. Two of our sophomores, Chloe Malau’ulu and Anna Kate Segars have stepped up a lot. We will see a lot more of them mixed in the lineup this year.”

The Bulldogs also bring back their top pitcher from 2019 as Williams is set to again take her spot as a starter within the circle.

Williams had a 15-10 record with a 2.90 earned run average last season.

“Emily will be leading the staff for us,” Ricketts said.

“She has really done a good job of honing in, especially out of the strike zone, but she’s really been working on her pitches and adding a few more.”

Ricketts also expects pitching contributions from Grace Fagan, Annie Willis, Alyssa Loza, Kenley Hawk and Aspen Wesley.

After MSU plays Missouri State at 11 a.m. to begin the season at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, it will take on Team USA at 5 p.m. in an exhibition game.