Alcorn Drops Road Tilt at No. 23 Mississippi State

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Going up against a nationally ranked opponent for the first time this season, the Alcorn State University softball program fell to 23rd-ranked Mississippi State 11-0 on Tuesday at Nusz Park.
 
The Lady Braves (7-24, 4-2 SWAC) scattered three hits in the contest. In two plate appearances, freshman Desirea Lindsey, the SWAC Hitter of the Week winner, singled to center and was hit by a pitch.
 
Alcorn also registered a single through the right side by senior Taylor Hughes in the first inning, and an infield single by sophomore Alicia Hill in the second.
 
"We had a couple opportunities early in the game offensively, but couldn't take advantage of them," said Alcorn head coach Josef Rankin. "We are continuing to work on the mental side and understand that comparing your ability to your opponent doesn't work too well. We just have to be extremely confident in what our abilities are and just be relentless in our effort and compete."
 
Freshman Amari Ramsey saw her 18-game hitting-streak and 20-game on-base streak come to an end. Though, she's still knocked at least one hit in every conference game this year.
 
The Bulldogs (30-11, 4-8 SEC) grabbed an advantage early with four runs in the first and five in the second. Mia Davidson was two-for-two at the plate with a walk, home run, two RBI's and three runs scored.
 
Holly Ward tossed a complete-game shutout for MSU and struck out six.
 
"Holly Ward is pitching at an extremely high level. She's one of the best pitchers in the country. Coach Vann really has a pretty dang good team," Rankin said. "I would have liked for us to be sharper on defense, but we have to keep working."
 
Junior Paige Taylor got the start and took the loss for the Lady Braves. Senior Robin Harrison and sophomore Ambria Dorsey made appearances of the bullpen. Dorsey is the SWAC Pitcher of the Week winner and gave up one run in one inning.
 
MSU's Alex Wilcox came in to pitch-hit in the third inning. Wilcox is battling ovarian cancer and has gone through three surgeries in the past two years.
 
"Putting softball aside, the most significant thing that happened to us tonight was we were on the same field as Alex Wilcox. That's the opportunity we are proud of. She's an awesome young lady who is pushing us all to appreciate the opportunities we have, and quite frankly, learn how to deal with whatever life throws at us and keep pressing. She's amazing and Alcorn softball will continue to stand with her in her fight," Rankin said.
 
Alcorn will return to conference action this weekend when it hosts Alabama State at the Alcorn Softball Complex. The schedule has shifted to a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Friday and a single-game Saturday tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
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