Bulldogs start season today in Boca Raton

Mississippi State's 32nd softball season in the program's history starts at an event called the Paradise Classic.

Paradise could also be considered the NCAA Women's College World Series and that's where the Bulldogs hope to end up in about four months.

After advancing and hosting an NCAA Super Regional last season, MSU head coach Samantha Ricketts said it's “a different team from last year and different vibe” going into 2023.

The Bulldogs came up short of making the NCAA Women's College World Series and that makes them hungry for more.

“We're excited for another year and another group,” Ricketts said. “It's nice to have last year to build off of. For us, it's what can we do more of, do the same things we did to get to that point and raise the bar even more for Mississippi State softball.”

MSU'S season starts today in Boca Raton, Florida, with a 5 p.m. Matchup against the host Florida Atlantic Owls in the Paradise Classic. It will be the first of five games played over three days.

The remainder of the schedule for the Bulldogs will be against Loyola Chicago at 10:30 a.m. and Bethune-cookman at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, then against Iowa at 8 a.m. and Stoney Brook at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

MSU will be led into the event by the pitching of Aspen Wesley and Kenley Hawk. Veteran Chloe Malau'ulu returns to patrol the outfield and provide a strong bat in the lineup.

Ricketts expects her team to be motivated, especially the players that remember how last season ended with Arizona taking two games and winning the super regional in Starkville.

“They were mad and upset to see Arizona celebrate on their home field,” Ricketts said. “That's exactly what I wanted them to feel. I didn't want them to be satisfied about making a super regional and hosting.”