Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Bulldogs Sweep SEC Softball Weekly Awards
March 02, 2020 | Softball
STARKVILLE – Explosive outbursts at a dominant week in the circle at The Snowman tournament led Mississippi State softball to a trio of SEC weekly honors, the conference office announced on Monday.
Chloe Malau'ulu, Annie Willis and Madisyn Kennedy were each recognized along with a trio of Auburn Tigers as SEC Co-Player, Co-Pitcher and Co-Freshman of the Week.
The awards mark the first time State has had multiple players honored in the same week since March 30, 2009, when Ali Bainbridge earned Player of the Week recognition and Lindsey Dunlap was named the league's Freshman of the Week. MSU has never swept all three honors in one week.
"I'm really proud of Chloe, Annie, and Madi and for all of the hard work they have been putting in to be recognized," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "I think it speaks a lot to our team and the focus we have on getting better every day.
"Chloe has been strong all year in the middle of the lineup and has played a great right field for us as well," Ricketts continued. "Annie's poise and confidence on the mound is fun to play behind, and she just continues to attack hitters. Madi carries herself like an upperclassman, and I really like the maturity of her at-bats. She is a steady presence for us every day."
Malau'ulu led MSU with a .667 batting average over the week, going 8-for-12 with six RBIs. She also posted a .917 slugging percentage and a team-high .750 on-base percentage. The sophomore hit .700 with runners on base and upped that to .714 with runners in scoring position. Malau'ulu reached base in her first nine plate appearances of The Snowman and finished that five-game stretch reaching in 11-of-13 opportunities.
Willis was outstanding in the circle, completing a 4-0 week in four appearances. She allowed just six hits on the week and only one earned run while striking out 19. The highlight of her week came in a complete-game effort on Sunday that saw her surrender one unearned run while striking out six. For the week, she posted a 9.5 strikeout to walk ratio and held opponents to a .122 batting average.
Kennedy continued her hot start by going on a tear in The Snowman. The freshman from Montgomery, Alabama, hit .500 with four RBIs and a 1.150 OPS. She drew four walks, scored five runs and advanced runners on 75.0 percent of her opportunities. The shortstop got it done on both sides of the ball, turning in a .909 fielding percentage with multiple highlight-reel plays.
The Bulldogs host UT Martin at 1 p.m. CT on Monday. MSU remains at home this weekend for the Bulldog Slamboree on March 6-8, when State welcomes Bryant, Mississippi Valley State and Southeast Missouri State to Starkville.
Chloe Malau'ulu, Annie Willis and Madisyn Kennedy were each recognized along with a trio of Auburn Tigers as SEC Co-Player, Co-Pitcher and Co-Freshman of the Week.
The awards mark the first time State has had multiple players honored in the same week since March 30, 2009, when Ali Bainbridge earned Player of the Week recognition and Lindsey Dunlap was named the league's Freshman of the Week. MSU has never swept all three honors in one week.
"I'm really proud of Chloe, Annie, and Madi and for all of the hard work they have been putting in to be recognized," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "I think it speaks a lot to our team and the focus we have on getting better every day.
"Chloe has been strong all year in the middle of the lineup and has played a great right field for us as well," Ricketts continued. "Annie's poise and confidence on the mound is fun to play behind, and she just continues to attack hitters. Madi carries herself like an upperclassman, and I really like the maturity of her at-bats. She is a steady presence for us every day."
Malau'ulu led MSU with a .667 batting average over the week, going 8-for-12 with six RBIs. She also posted a .917 slugging percentage and a team-high .750 on-base percentage. The sophomore hit .700 with runners on base and upped that to .714 with runners in scoring position. Malau'ulu reached base in her first nine plate appearances of The Snowman and finished that five-game stretch reaching in 11-of-13 opportunities.
Willis was outstanding in the circle, completing a 4-0 week in four appearances. She allowed just six hits on the week and only one earned run while striking out 19. The highlight of her week came in a complete-game effort on Sunday that saw her surrender one unearned run while striking out six. For the week, she posted a 9.5 strikeout to walk ratio and held opponents to a .122 batting average.
Kennedy continued her hot start by going on a tear in The Snowman. The freshman from Montgomery, Alabama, hit .500 with four RBIs and a 1.150 OPS. She drew four walks, scored five runs and advanced runners on 75.0 percent of her opportunities. The shortstop got it done on both sides of the ball, turning in a .909 fielding percentage with multiple highlight-reel plays.
The Bulldogs host UT Martin at 1 p.m. CT on Monday. MSU remains at home this weekend for the Bulldog Slamboree on March 6-8, when State welcomes Bryant, Mississippi Valley State and Southeast Missouri State to Starkville.
Follow the Bulldogs
For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."
Players Mentioned
SOFTBALL | Postgame Press Conference vs Texas (WCWS) 5/29/26
Friday, May 29
SOFTBALL | Postgame Press Conference at Oklahoma (NCAAT) 5/28/26
Thursday, May 28
SOFTBALL | Women's College World Series Media Day Press Conference
Wednesday, May 27
SOFTBALL | Super Regional at Oklahoma Game 3 Highlights - 5/24/26
Sunday, May 24