MSU SOFTBALL FIELD

MSU SOFTBALL FIELD TOP 10 CROWDS

Date Opponent Attendance 1. 4/25/98 Mississippi 1,547 2. 4/1/97 Alabama 1,520 3. 4/15/00 Kentucky 1,017 4. 4/20/02 Alabama 762 5. 4/21/00 Alabama 670 6. 3/22/97 South Carolina 654 7. 2/7/04 Bradley 578 4/9/04 Alabama 578 9. 4/29/06 Alabama 572 10. 2/5/05 N.C. State 562

FACILITY RECORDS

AT BATS By Team 41 - LSU at MSU (4/7/00) By Individual 6 - By Four Players last: Brittany Mynsberge, Bradley (v. Jackson St., 2/6/04)

RUNS By Team 30 - Louisiana Tech vs. Jackson State (2/6/04) By Individual 5 - Angela Toures, Bradley (vs. Jackson State, 2/6/04)

HITS By Team 23 - Louisiana Tech vs. Jackson State (2/6/04) By Individual 5 - Brittany Mynsberge, Bradley (vs. Jackson State, 2/6/04)

RBI Home to the Mississippi State women’s soft- facility-improving project was completed as the By Team ball team since 1997, the MSU Softball Field MSU Softball Field’s dugouts were enhanced 23 - Bradley vs. Jackson State (2/6/04) By Individual gives the Bulldogs one of the finest facilities in with brick, bringing yet another eye-pleasing 7 - Brittany Mynsberge, Bradley (vs. Jackson State, 2/6/04) the Southeast. feature to the facility. In 2001, construction of an Located on the north side of the Mississippi additional batting cage, as well as the placing DOUBLES State campus, the MSU Softball Field sits in the of sidewalks in and around field and spectator By Team heart of Mississippi State’s impressive physical areas, were added. 8 - LSU at MSU (4/4/98) plant. It joins W.O. Spencer Stadium (track and Work was completed in the fall of 2005 on a By Individual field), Dudy-Noble Field/Polk Dement Stadium one million dollar indoor facility which features 3 - Martha Phillips, Auburn (4/15/01)

(baseball), the MSU Soccer Field and the A.J. a state-of-the-art practice field, as well as a TRIPLES Pitts Tennis Centre to give Mississippi State locker room, clubhouse, training room, coaches’ By Team some of the finest Olympic sport venues in col- locker rooms and players lounge. In addition, a 6 - MSU vs. Alabama A&M (2/20/04) legiate athletics. revamped bullpen area was added just behind By Individual The facility features a main grandstand area the dugout on the third base side of the facility. 2 - Five Times which will accommodate more than 750 people The indoor facility is the only one of its kind in last by Iyhia McMichael, MSU (v. MVSU, 2/21/04) with opportunities for expansion in the future. the nation. HOME RUNS Also included is a state-of-the-art press box Since beginning play at the MSU Softball Field, By Team complete with phone lines and a public address Mississippi State has posted a 230-108 (.680) 3 - LSU at Mississippi State (4/7/00) system, an electronic scoreboard and bullpens overall record and, in 1999, tallied a program- By Individual behind both stepdown dugouts which are com- high 21-6 record at home, including a 12-2 mark 2 - Two Times plete with restroom facilities for both teams. at home inside the Southeastern Conference. last by Courtney Bures, MSU (v. MVSU, 2/5/05) Hailed as one of the top playing surfaces in Mississippi State has also shutout its opponent the Southeastern Conference, the field stretches 68 times in front of its home fans - 27 times com- WALKS By Team 200 feet down the left and right field lines and pleting the task in abbreviated innings. 11 - Three Times (last Bradley vs. Jackson State, 2/6/04) spans 220 feet to straight-away centerfield. The The opening game on the newly constructed By Individual regulation NCAA Championship field features Mississippi State Softball Field came on Feb. 4 - Katie Cooley, MSU (vs. LSU, 3/30/05) Mississippi Pride grass - developed by research- 26, 1997, when Mississippi State hosted visiting ers on the Mississippi State campus - making it Samford University. The Bulldogs opened the home to one of the finest playing surfaces in the park successfully, sweeping Samford 4-0 and 4-0 By Team, Batting country. A grounds crew is responsible for the in a doubleheader witnessed by more than 300 14 - Two Times (last by MSU vs. Siena, 3/14/98) By Individual, Pitching field maintenance of the MSU Softball Field. fans that braved the inclement weather. 14 - Two Times With each season, the MSU Softball Field The Bulldogs averaged just more than 300 last by Autumn Anderson, MSU (v. Siena, 3/14/98) seems to get better and better. Following the fans during that first season and set an atten- program’s inaugural season in 1997, lights were dance record which still stands to this day on LONGEST REGULATION GAME added to the facility, bringing a much-more April 25, 1998, when 1,547 fans watched the By Time enjoyable climate to Bulldog fans as well as Bulldogs battle arch rival Mississippi. 3:13 - LSU at Mississippi State (3/31/05) visiting fans across the country. In 2000, another

7 MSU SOFTBALL FACILITIES

PALMEIRO CENTER ROUSE WEIGHT ROOM

The Palmeiro Center - a $3.8 million, 68,000-square foot, climate-controlled indoor practice The Rouse Weight Room is a recently constructed 10,000-square foot weight facility that facility - was completed in August 2005 and gives the Bulldogs an additional practice option includes more than $100,000 worth of essential weight training equipment. Under the guid- during inclimate weather. Named for former Bulldog baseball great and Major League ance and supervision of strength coach Matt Balis, and a nationally certified strength and Baseball star Rafael Palmeiro, the facility features a turfed 120-yard long practice surface and conditioning staff, each and every player is helped to reach peak physical performance. In a $1.5 million, 9,500-square foot banquet room which will seat up to 350 people. all, the center gives State players access to 22 power stations. Each nine-foot rack sits on a six-foot by eight-foot oak platform.

SOFTBALL INDOOR FACILITY

Mississippi State’s indoor facility, located adjacent to the left field foul line of the Mississippi Included in the price of the million-dollar facility is a brand new locker room facility for the State Softball Field, includes an 8,000-square foot indoor practice facility complete with col- Bulldogs which will allow the players convenient access to both the indoor practice facility lapsible batting cages. Access to the indoor facility can be obtained by any of the six main as well as the varsity game field. A 1,200-square foot team lounge is located directly above areas of the indoor facility by simply walking through a door. the locker room.

One of four satellite training rooms in Mississippi State’s sports medicine department, the From the team lounge, players can view game film or just relax and watch TV on a state-of- training room at the softball indoor facility is equipped with training tables, rehabilitation the-art drop down screen. equipment and an ice machine and helps certified athletic trainer Caitlin Redlich cater to the health needs of all MSU Softball athletes and coaches.

8 MSU SOFTBALL FACILITIES

SOFTBALL INDOOR TEAM LOUNGE

When not on the practice field or watching game film, MSU softball players can kick back and relax with a game of ping-pong, or play pool on a regulation size table in the team lounge.

Above the Mississippi State locker room in the Softball Indoor Facility is a 1,200-square foot As you enter Mississippi State’s indoor facility, you pass through the Stairway of All- team lounge. Here, players can study, watch TV, or just kill time before their next class. Americans, where jerseys of MSU’s six All-Americans are adorned.

The Northeast Village, made up of four residence halls with the largest single room sizes in The $19 million, 150,000-square foot Sanderson Center recreation complex opened to university history, opened in August 2006. A co-residential, 160,000-square foot, three-story students in 1996. The state-of-the-art facility offers recreational opportunities in aquatics, freshman hall, Ruby, is located at the north end of campus. Ruby Hall offers students the lat- fitness and aerobics, strength and conditioning, and intramural sports. est in technology, including Ethernet access and full wireless internet coverage.

9 TEMPLETON ATHLETIC ACADEMIC CENTER

The Shira Athletic Complex received it’s second neighborhood addition ball team reached six postseason bowl games, the men’s basketball squad in the past four years on Nov. 1 when the Templeton Athletic Academic reached the Final Four and the baseball team went to the NCAA College Center was officially dedicated. World Series three times. State teams also claimed five Southeastern Con- Mississippi State’s student-athletes have enjoyed outstanding success ference championships under his guidance and advanced to NCAA cham- in the classroom, and the new $10 million facility provides state-of-the-art pionship play 29 times. The Bulldog softball team made seven of those amenities that will help the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs continue that suc- trips in a nine-year stretch. cess while reaching new levels. With all of the on-field accomplishments under Templeton’s watch, The Templeton Athletic Academic Center includes a large computer State enjoyed even more success in the classroom. During the 2005-06 aca- lab and individual computer rooms and work stations that will allow stu- demic year, MSU’s men and women athletes posted the highest combined dent-athletes access to a computer at their convenience. The building also grade-point average ever recorded in the 18 years of tracking student-ath- houses academic counselor offices, large study areas, resource rooms, con- lete grades. ference rooms and tutor rooms that will allow MState’s academic staff the Head coach Jay Miller’s softball Dogs have been an integral part of the most efficient way to interact with student-athletes. school’s academic success, landing 61 academic all-SEC honorees in his The two biggest areas of the State’s newest facility are a 300-seat din- first six seasons. Last season, Chelsea Bramlett became the fourth Bull- ing room and a large foyer that captures many of the team highlights and dog named ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American, the third individual greats that have encompassed Mississippi State’s rich athletic selected first team. Miller’s 2008 contingent also set an academic record, history. having 10 named NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete en route to claiming Perhaps the greatest attribute of the Templeton Athletic Academic Cen- the eighth-highest grade-point average in Division I softball. ter is the location. Situated adjacent to the Shira Complex and Holliman Athletic Center, the facility stands in the heart of MSU’s athletic facilities. The structure is named for Larry Templeton, who served as Mississippi State’s director of athlet- ics from 1987-2008. Under his leadership, MState accomplished many great athletic feats. The foot-

LARRY TEMPLETON

10 BULLDOG DIAMOND CLUB

The BULLDOG DIAMOND CLUB is the official booster club of the Mississippi State University softball team. It has been created to provide fans with an in-depth look at our $25 $100 $500 $250 program, coaches, players and history. With Single $1,000 three NCAA Regional appearances in the past four years, the Bulldogs are poised to join the Membership nation’s “elite” teams this year. Please come Diamond Club along with us as we take on the Southeastern Diamond Club Membership Conference and the nation this Spring. We need you to join our team as we contin- Bulldog Bullpen Newsletter ue a new era of Bulldog Softball. The BULLDOG DIAMOND CLUB has been initiated with the approval of the Mississippi State athletic depart- ment and is in compliance with all University, SEC and NCAA rules and regulations. All funds ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS: generated directly to enhancing and improving MSU Softball T-Shirt the Mississippi State Softball program. We encourage your membership in the MSU Softball Media Guide BULLDOG DIAMOND CLUB and look forward to you becoming a part of our “softball family” Invitation To Team Social and winning tradition at Mississippi State. ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS: Sincerely, Recognition In Media Guide Autographed Softball Poster

Jay Miller ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS: Head Softball Coach MSU Softball Sweatshirt Mississippi State University MSU Softball Hat Or Visor

For more information on club ben- ALL OF THE ABOVE PLUS: efits, or to join the Mississippi State MSU Softball Polo Shirt Softball Diamond Club, contact the MSU Softball Office at Autographed Softball (662) 325-0572. MSU Softball Jacket

2009 MISSISSIPPI STATE SOFTBALL DIAMOND CLUB MEMBERS

The Mississippi State Softball Team would like to thank the members of the official booster club of Mississippi State Softball. Their help and support allow us to compete at a national level and will enable us to build a solid future for our program.

HOME RUN SINGLE MEMBERSHIP MSU SOFTBALL WOULD LIKE

Jim & Julie Nurnberg Mike & Kim Becker Maudie Bowen TO THANK THE FOLLOWING

Frank Bensieck Jerry Dean PATRONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT TRIPLE E.T. Colvin David Gettinger Marty Archer - Louisville Slugger Tina McCrary Scott & Patty Heon Susan Diaz Dale & Ann Hewett Stacey, Robert & Owen McGinnis Robert Heon Rob Partin - Louisville Slugger Dean Miller DOUBLE Kate Jaspers G. Steven Tate - KT Lumber Sales David Neiss Jody & Denise Bailey Kendall & Amy Jaspers John Grafe Delores Norvak John & Debbie Bainbridge Michelle Kinney Don Roberts Tommy Orndorff Kyle & Macie Bateman Jewellene McCloud Adidas Dean & Shirley Purcell Eric & Janet Beam Scotty & Denise McCloud Russell Athletic John & Gayle Ross Chris Handy Mike McDonald Terri Towle Gary Montgomery - Adams USA Barry Howton Robert & Shirley Moses Robert & Sylvie Wilson Jim Nurnburg Loyd & Oretha King Leslie Neiss Ronald & Edith Boyce Jack & Helen Wellborn

Blake Sherrod Don Roberts Mike & Gwen Creasman

Milton & Amber Smith Brad Siebert Jack & Dotty Kinney

Steve & Bonnie Siebert Patti & Nicole Randolph Louis & Harriette Sherrod

11 MSU SOFTBALL CAMPS

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS 2009 SUMMER SOFTBALL CAMPS YOUTH CAMP HITTING CAMP

JUNE 8-10 JUNE 17-18

PITCHING & CATCHING CAMP ELITE SKILLS CAMP JUNE 15-16 JULY 13-16

CAMP INFORMATION REGISTRATION PARENTAL CONSENT Please complete all information. YOUTH DAY CAMP HOW TO APPLY: Our camp promises to fill up quickly, so please Camper Name: ______Birthdate: ______MSU Softball Field • Ages 12 And Under email or phone Annie Smith at the address and phone number listed below to request an application. Once received, please fill out appli- Parent/Guardian Name: ______OVERVIEW: Each day is packed with softball drills, games, and fun. cation and and return to camp administrators immediately. Return The athletes will have an opportunity to work on all aspects of the the completed application along with a non-refundable $100 deposit Relationship To Camper: ______game, and there will be activities to keep them busy throughout (or full tuition) to the following address: the day. The clinic runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Street Address: ______Wednesday. Bulldog Softball Camp c/o Athletic Business Office City/State/Zip: ______CHECK-IN AND COSTS: Check-in will take place at the MSU Softball P.O. Drawer 5327 field at 8:00 a.m. and pick-up will be at the softball field at 5 pm Mississippi State, MS 39762 r YES r NO Allergic Reactions (drugs, food, asthma, etc.)? Monday-Wednesday. Athletes must be signed in and out each day. Athletes must bring a sack lunch. Water will be provided. The cost for OTHER INFORMATION: Camp applicants will receive a confirma- If yes, please list: ______attending camp is $165 and will be discounted to a $140 team rate or tion letter after receipt of completed application and deposit (or full $140 if two siblings are enrolled. Teams are restricted to include six tuition). Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Forms must ______or more athletes that return registration and fees at the same time. be signed and the Physician’s statement and parent’s statement must be signed. Included in the camp is all camp instruction, room r YES r NO Requires Medication? PITCHING & CATCHING CAMP and board (for overnight campers, or meals for commuters), acci- MSU Softball Field • Ages 10 And Older dent insurance (secondary coverage) and a camp t-shirt. Campers If yes, please list: ______must complete the proof of insurance statement included in the OVERVIEW: This camp is designed to provide intensive instruction parental consent form on the application or on this page. ______for both the softball pitcher and catcher. With two days of activity, the athletes will have the opportunity to work in an individualized ONLINE REGISTRATION: Individuals who want to register online IN CASE OF EMERGENCY manner to improve their pitching and catching skills. and pay by credit card can do so by logging on to the official Internet home of the Mississippi State athletic department, www. Father’s Name: ______CHECK-IN AND COSTS: Check-in will take place at the dorm at 8 MStateAthletics.com. Camp information can be found by clicking Phone: (W) ______(H) ______a.m. on Monday, June 15. The camp will conclude on Tuesday June on the Departments tag toward the top of the page. In addition 16 at 5 p.m. The cost for attending this overnight camp is $195 and to online registration, campers are also required to submit parental Mother’s Name: ______will be discounted to a commuter rate of $175 for those campers consent form which can be found on this page. For registration infor- not lodging in the dorm. The cost to attend this camp AND the mation, or if you require special services, please contact: Phone: (W) ______(H) ______hitting camp is $345 and will be discounted to a commuter rate of $285 for those campers not lodging in the dorm. Teams (six or more Annie Smith Emergency Contact: ______athletes with registration and fees returned at the same time) will be 662.325.0572 discounted to a rate of $320. Fax: 662.325.9051 Phone: (W) ______(H) [email protected] HITTING CAMP All campers must have their own medical coverage. The MSU Softball Field • Ages 10 And Older CAMP HOUSING: Campers will be housed two per room in an air Mississippi State Softball camp provides only excess coverage conditioned residence hall on the Mississippi State University cam- after camper’s insurance policy has been utilized. Campers will OVERVIEW: This camp is designed to provide intensive instruction pus. Upon receipt of registration, campers will receive a confirmation not be allowed to participate unless the following information is on how to be a better hitter. The camp is two full days of hitting skills letter with specifics about check-in location and items to bring. submitted and the form is signed by the parent or guardian of and drills. The camp will build from the fundamentals of hitting to the aforementioned camper. the advanced aspects. WHAT TO BRING: The following items will be needed when attend- ing the Mississippi State Softball Camp: Camper’s Insurance Company: ______CHECK-IN AND COSTS: Check-in will take place at the dorm at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17. The camp will conclude on Thursday, • Softball Glove • Batting Gloves Policy Holder: ______Policy No.: ______June 18 at 5 p.m. The cost for attending this overnight camp is $195 • Pillow • Sun Screen and will be discounted to a commuter rate of $175 for those campers • Catcher’s Gear • Sheets (Twin Extra Long) In accordance with the rules of the Mississippi State not lodging in the dorm. The cost to attend this camp AND the pitch- • Softball Shoes • Tennis Shoes University Softball Camp, I hereby give my consent for the ing and catching camp is $345 and will be discounted to a commuter • Knee Pads • Practice Shorts camper listed below to participate in the activities of this camp, rate of $285 for those campers not lodging in the dorm. Teams (six or • Socks • Sunglasses to include specific sport activities and recreational activities con- more athletes with registration and fees returned at the same time) • Softball Bat • Softball Helmet ducted at the camp. The undersigned camper and parent/guard- will be discounted to a rate of $320. • Towels • Toiletries ian understand that the camper will engage in physical activity • Alarm Clock • Swim Suit during the program which contains an inherent risk of physical ELITE SKILLS CAMP • Jacket • Sweat Pants injury, and the undersigned assumes the risk, indemnities, and MSU Softball Field • Ages 12 And Older • Sweat Shirt releases Mississippi State Softball Camp, its officers, Directors, Agents and Employees from any and all liability for personal inju- OVERVIEW: The camp is designed to cover all aspects of the game REFUNDS: A camper who must leave during the camp due to illness ry arising out of the camper’s participation in the camp program. of softball. The camp will cover mechanics, skills and dozens of or injury will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days If, at any time, it is necessary for the camper to receive outside drills. In addition, the athletes will learn advanced skills and have of instruction, insurance and room and board that were required. No or professional medical attention, I hereby give my consent to the opportunity to scrimmage everyday. The athletes will have an refunds will be given to campers who voluntarily leave the camp or the camp to secure the services and arrange transportation if opportunity to work with some of the top coaches in Mississippi and who are sent home for disciplinary reasons. No full refunds will be deemed necessary. in the country, along with current and former MSU softball players. given prior to a camp without a doctor’s note. I am aware that the camp’s medical insurance provides benefits up to $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment This camp is designed for the serious softball athlete. and $10,000 medical expenses with a $100 deductible for which SAFETY AND INSURANCE: Supervision is provided in the residence the camper is responsible. There is also a $1,000 limit on dental CHECK-IN AND COSTS: Check-in will take place at the dorm and hall and at all camp sessions. Every effort is made to insure safety insurance. I am also aware that I will be responsible for all medical will be gin at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 15. The camp will conclude throughout camp. Experienced trainers and the athletic training expenses resulting from sickness or any other camp-related injury on Thursday, July 16 at noon at the dorm. The cost for attending this rooms are available at all times. Each camper is covered by 24-hour or illness. overnight camp is $345 and will be discounted to a commuter rate of health and accident insurance. $285 for those campers not lodging in the dorm. The cost for a team Parent Or Guardian: ______(six or more athletes with registration and fees returned at the same time) to attend this camp is $320 and will be discounted to a team Parents Or Guardian Signature: ______commuter rate of $285 for those teams not lodging in the dorm. The cost for attending this camp and either the pitching & catching camp Camper: ______OR the hitting camp is $485 and will be discounted to a commuter rate of $420 for those campers not lodging in the dorm. Camper Signature: ______

12 2009 SEASON PREVIEW

WHEN A TEAM MAKES A COMMITMENT — THE SKY’S THE LIMIT The 2008 Mississippi State softball team and striking out a personal-best 98. The enjoyed record-setting success last season, hard-thrower out of Ankeny, Iowa, started winning 40-plus games for just the second 2008 with seven straight victories and held time in program history and advancing to the opponents scoreless for 21.2 innings, the NCAA Tournament for the fi fth time in six sea- fi fth-longest streak in school history. sons. Sophomore Elizabeth Woolven MSU enters the 2009 campaign with a looks to build on her freshman campaign young squad that has challenged itself with in which she saved four games and regis- the goal of continuing that on-fi eld success. tered a 4-2 win-loss mark. During the fall NFCA Hall of Famer Jay Miller returns 11 play- Woolven really showed her progress, fi n- ers from last year’s squad, including seven po- ishing the campaign as one of the team’s sition players and the entire ‘08 pitching staff. top hurlers. Five heralded newcomers demonstrated Freshman Lindsey Dunlap also their potential during the fall, and their contin- emerged as one of the squad’s top pitch- ued development will be key in continuing the ers this fall. The Hueytown, Ala., aims to success that last year’s team enjoyed. be a major contributor in the starting rota- tion after earning EA Sports First Team All- PITCHERS America and Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year honors while leading Hueytown The biggest question mark entering the High School to three state championships 2008 season, State’s hurlers enter 2009 with in a four-year span. the deepest staff of Miller’s tenure. Misty Flesher returns for her sophomore CATCHERS season after anchoring the staff as a freshman. CHELSEA BRAMLETT The Lone Grove, Okla., native tallied a 20-10 With a pitching staff returning in tact, record in her inaugural campaign, the second- the battery appears to be in great shape most wins by a freshman in school history. with two-time NFCA All-American Chel- sophomores Jessie Spain and Allie Heon bat- Flesher, who was twice named SEC Fresh- sea Bramlett back behind the plate. tling for the spots. man of the Week, also struck out a team-high Bramlett was named all-SEC last season Bailey has been a staple at third through 119 and led the squad with a 2.11 ERA. after posting the second-highest batting aver- her fi rst two seasons, but she could make the Although Flesher became a “seasoned age in State history (.450) and matching her move to fi ll the void left by Bures at short. veteran” in 2008, the pitching staff will still school stolen-base record (46). The Lithonia, Ga., native has provided look to senior Kelsey Nurnberg to provide Despite her tremendous success at the not only a clutch bat, but a consistent glove the leadership to a pair of sophomores and plate, Miller says that Bramlett’s prowess be- in the fi eld. Bailey .234 last season with 28 a freshman. hind the plate and handling of the pitching RBI, and she also added a .967 fi elding per- Nurnberg enjoyed a career campaign staff have been over-looked. She was selected centage at the “hot corner.” as a junior, winning a career-best 17 games the Diamond Sports/NFCA Division I Catcher Spain looks to earn a starting defensive of the Year and one of 25 fi nalists for USA role after drawing most of her starts at either Softball Player of the Year after compiling designated player or the outfi eld. A versatile a .993 fi elding percentage and throwing player with a solid bat, the Birmingham native out 11 runners. hit at a .271 clip with nine extra-base hits and Although Bramlett will see most of drove in 14 runs while scoring 19 times. the innings behind the plate, Ka’ili Smith Heon, a transfer from Villanova, joined could also see some work. The Hawai’i na- the squad during the off-season and instantly tive comes to State following a promising brought a versatility to the defense with her career at Kapolei High School where she ability to play third, short, second or the out- earned four all-state accolades during her fi eld. prep career thanks to a powerful bat and a The Leesburg, Va., native also possesses strong arm that has the ability to throw out a solid bat, and she showed that in the fall runners at any base. Smith hopes to build with her ability to put the ball in play and on a solid fall in which she hit .381 and move runners. scored nine runs while driving in three. While Heon, Spain and Bailey will be bat- tling to solidify the infi eld, the right side ap- pears to be solid with senior Sammie Jo Bai- INFIELD ley and sophomore Ali Bainbridge anchoring fi rst and second, respectively. The infi eld returns mainly in tact, but Bailey brings quality leadership to fi rst Miller has to replace a key cog at short- base along with an outstanding glove and a stop in two-time all-American Courtney powerful bat. She aims at ending her Bulldog Bures, who had the ability to make diffi cult career on a high note after hitting .270 with plays seem routine. three home runs and 24 RBI. Her departure shakes up the left side Defensively, Bailey looks for a career year MISTY FLESHER of the infi eld, with junior Jessie Bailey and anchoring the State infi eld after starting 170

13 2009 SEASON PREVIEW

games at fi rst base and tallying a .981 career Sophomore Brittany Bell returns to fi elding percentage which ranks fourth all- the outfi eld after starting there the last time. half of her rookie season. Bell found her Bainbridge put together a stellar fresh- rhythm down the stretch, hitting .351 with man campaign, and her hard work earned her three doubles, two home runs and six RBI a spot on the Southeastern Conference’s All- from the right fi eld slot over the last 13 Freshman Team. games. The Vestavia Hills, Ala., native hit a team The Florida prep standout, who might third-best .337 and tied for the fi fth-most also see time in left this season, does not doubles by an MState freshman with nine. She allow many balls to get past her with her also drove in 30 runs and scored 36 times. ability to cover ground, and her strong Bainbridge closed her inaugural sea- arm presents a threat to any runner. son by earning all-tournament honors at the Bell and Smith could play either right NCAA Tempe Regional after hitting a team- or left, but freshman Brittany Gates nailed high .636 with fi ve runs. After seeing most down the task of replacing Guess in cen- of her early-season starts in right fi eld, Bain- terfi eld with a solid fall campaign. bridge maintained the second base nod the The Houston, Miss., native brings majority of the year and put up a .970 fi elding good speed that not only helps her cover percentage. her position, but also presents a threat on Courtney Nesbit brings outstanding the bases. One of Mississippi’s top prep defensive ability and big-hit potential to the prospects coming out of high school, fi rst base position behind Bailey. The Acworth, Gates led the Bulldogs at the plate during Ga., native picked up most of her 2008 action the fall with a .500 average (8-for-16). at the designated player spot and hit .300 with Freshman Courtney Moore could BRITTANY BELL three doubles, 12 RBI and six runs scored. also fi nd herself in the mix for a spot in the Laurie Siebert provides a good bat and outfi eld this season. The El Sobrante, Ca- solid depth on the infi eld with her ability to lif., native, who also brings depth on the berths and two Women’s College World Se- fi eld either third or second. Having battled in- infi eld, presents a good power source in the ries participants. jury much of the early portion of her career, line-up after leading the Sorcerers, one of the State’s fi rst road test of the year comes Siebert returned in the fall and showed the top travel teams in the country, in home runs Feb. 13-15 when the squad ventures to Tal- potential that she demonstrated as a freshman over the summer. lahassee, Fla., to face NCAA Tournament in- and during her heralded Illinois prep career. Spain and Heon might also see some vitees Purdue and Florida State along with time in the outfi eld if needed, and despite its Appalachian State and Miami (Ohio) in the OUTFIELD youth and need for some additional season- Sunshine Classic. ing, the Bulldog outfi eld will not be lacking in After returning home to host the Bulldog The most veteran aspect of the club in speed. Classic, MState hits the road for a 14-game 2008, Mississippi State fi nds the outfi eld the road trip over a 19-day span. youngest part of its club in 2009 after having THE OFFENSE After a trek to Itta Bena to meet Missis- to replace Nakita Boyce in left and all-SEC sippi Valley State, the Bulldogs return to Co- centerfi elder Hayle Guess. Despite its youth, Mississippi State’s offense enjoyed a re- lumbus, Ga., for the prestigious NFCA Leadoff the Bulldog outfi eld, however, will not be lack- cord-setting year at the plate in which it hit Classic, where it will meet Ohio State, Massa- ing in speed. a school-best .311. This year’s offense has to chusetts, Michigan, Long Island and Hofstra. deal with the loss of Bures, who left MSU After a day at home, State fl ies to Honolulu, with the career record for RBIs in a sea- Hawaii, for the Malihini Tournament. In Hawaii, son, Guess and Boyce, but returns a bevy State will meet Oregon State and the host of talent. Rainbow Wahine, the team that ended MSU’s The Dogs reached base at a .434 per- postseason run. centage during the fall and hit at a .360 Following the cross-country trek, Miller’s clip while scoring 67 runs. squad opens conference play against defend- Miller said that the goal for the of- ing SEC Western Division champion Alabama fense entering the spring is to continue in Tuscaloosa. manufacturing runs the way it did in the The Bulldogs return to the friendly con- fall while being able to fi nd some power fi nes of the MSU Softball Field beginning Mar. at the plate. 17 to host Arkansas and LSU on back-to-back weekends before heading out to conference road trips to Tennessee, defending SEC cham- HE CHEDULE T S pion Florida and Georgia. State closes the regular season by play- Opportunities to clinch resumè- ing eight of its last 11 games at home. The building wins are in higher demand this team hosts South Carolina during the Univer- season with the schedule being limited to sity’s Super Bulldog Weekend (Apr. 17-19) and 52 games. follows with a mid-week twin bill against SEC State has once again built an impres- West foe Auburn. sive schedule which kicks off Feb. 6-8 with After a venture to Lexington for a three- the Bulldog Round-Robin at the MSU Soft- game set with Kentucky, the Bulldogs close ball Field. the regular-season slate with in-state rival Ole The schedule includes 15 teams that Miss at the MSU Softball Field May 2-3. ALI BAINBRIDGE played in the NCAA Tournament, includ- ing four teams that earned Super Regional

14 2009 ROSTER

Front Row (l-r): Brittany Bell, Allie Heon, Ali Bainbridge, Elizabeth Woolven, Brittany Gates, Laurie Siebert, Jessie Spain, Ka’ili Smith; Back Row (l-r): Lindsey Dunlap, Misty Flesher, Courtney Nesbit, Jessie Bailey, Kelsey Nurnberg, Sammie Jo Bailey, Chelsea Bramlett, Courtney Moore.

NUMERICAL ROSTER No. Name Pos. B-T Ht. Yr. Exp. Hometown/High School/Last College 1 Ali Bainbridge 2B R-R 5-4 So. 1L Vestavia Hills, Ala./Vestavia Hills 4 Brittany Gates OF L-R 5-3 Fr. HS Houston, Miss./Houston 6 Jessie Bailey INF R-R 5-7 Jr. 2L Lithonia, Ga./Mt. Vernon Christian 7 Ka’ili Smith OF/C L-L 5-7 Fr. HS Kapolei, Hawai’i/Kapolei 8 Jessie Spain INF/OF R-R 5-8 So. 1L Birmingham, Ala./Vestavia Hills 9 Kelsey Nurnberg P R-R 6-0 Sr. 2L Ankeny, Iowa/Daytona Beach JC 10 Allie Heon INF R-R 5-3 So. TR Leesburg, Va./Westfield (Villanova) 12 Elizabeth Woolven P L-L 5-7 So. 1L Nettleton, Miss./Mooreville 13 Brittany Bell OF R-R 5-2 So. 1L Brandon, Fla./Riverview 16 Laurie Siebert INF R-R 5-2 Jr. 2L Sugar Grove, Ill./Kaneland 17 Misty Flesher P R-R 5-9 So. 1L Lone Grove, Okla./Lone Grove 18 Chelsea Bramlett C S-R 5-8 Jr. 2L Cordova, Tenn./First Christian 21 Courtney Moore INF/OF R-R 5-5 Fr. HS El Sobrante, Calif./St. Mary’s 25 Courtney Nesbit 1B/OF R-R 5-6 So. 1L Acworth, Ga./Harrison 32 Lindsey Dunlap P L-L 5-8 Fr. HS Hueytown, Ala./Hueytown 34 Sammie Jo Bailey 1B R-R 5-8 Sr. 3L Lithonia, Ga./Mt. Vernon Christian

Head Coach: Jay Miller (Illinois State, 1978) Associate Head Coach: Annie Smith (Grinnell College, 1995) Assistant Coach: Bo Reid Student Assistants: Courtney Bures, Nakita Boyce, Gina McCloud, Laura Leigh Reese Manager: Courtney Partridge Trainer: Caitlin Redlich, Certified Athletic Trainer Strength Coach: Erik Korem Media Relations: Brock Turnipseed

ALPHABETICAL BY STATE PRONUNCIATIONS

# Name Pos. Cl. MISSISSIPPI (2) ILLINOIS (1) Allie Heon Allie HEE-ahn 6 Jessie Bailey INF Jr. Brittany Gates ...... Houston Laurie Siebert ...... Sugar Grove 34 Sammie Jo Bailey 1B Sr. Elizabeth Woolven ...... Nettleton Laurie Siebert 1 Ali Bainbridge 2B So. TENNESSEE (1) Laurie SEA-burt GEORGIA (3) Chelsea Bramlett ...... Cordova 13 Brittany Bell OF So. Ka'ili Smith 18 Chelsea Bramlett C Jr. Jessie Bailey ...... Lithonia Ka-EE-LEE Smith Sammie Jo Bailey ...... Lithonia FLORIDA (1) 32 Lindsey Dunlap P Fr. Courtney Nesbit...... Acworth Brittany Bell ...... Brandon 17 Misty Flesher P So. 4 Brittany Gates OF Fr. ALABAMA (3) IOWA (1) 10 Allie Heon INF So. Ali Bainbridge ...... Vestavia Hills Kelsey Nurnberg ...... Ankeny 21 Courtney Moore INF/OF Fr. Lindsey Dunlap...... Hueytown 25 Courtney Nesbit 1B/OF So. Jessie Spain ...... Birmingham OKLAHOMA (1) Misty Flesher ...... Lone Grove 9 Kelsey Nurnberg P Sr. CALIFORNIA (1) 16 Laurie Siebert INF Jr. Courtney Moore...... El Sobrante 7 Ka’ili Smith OF/C Fr. VIRGINIA (1) 8 Jessie Spain INF So. HAWAI’I (1) Allie Heon...... Leesburg 12 Elizabeth Woolven P So. Ka’ili Smith ...... Kapolei

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