Bulldogs Return Four of Five Seniors
April 27, 2020 | Softball, HailStateBEAT
by Brian Ogden, Assistant Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – The talented roster that produced one of the most successful seasons in Mississippi State's softball history will look very similar next year. Four of the Bulldogs' five seniors have elected to take advantage of an additional year of eligibility relief offered by the NCAA.
After the 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the NCAA Division I Council voted to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility.
The Bulldogs will welcome back seniors Candace Denis, Fa Leilua, Alyssa Loza and Christian Quinn for the 2021 campaign. Lindsey Williams has chosen not to return to the program after she graduates in May.
"To have them back for another year is a tremendous feeling," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "They've each been an integral part of our program. Who they are as women and as leaders has been such a blessing for this coaching staff. They are the foundation of this team."
Leilua led the Bulldogs in total bases (66), hits (33), runs (28) and RBIs (28) this spring. She has started 86 games State has played since she joined the program in 2019. The Hawthorne, California, native is one of a dozen active players across the country to have hit 50 home runs in her career. She is currently fifth in school history with 31 long balls in the Maroon and White and ranks second in career slugging percentage (.768) and seventh in batting average (.357).
The final game of the 2020 season marked Denis' 100th as a Bulldog, second only to junior Mia Davidson among those on the active roster. This spring, she was second on the team with 23 RBIs and turned in an error-free season. Denis finished tied for fourth in the SEC with 12 stolen bases, and she ranks 40th among active players nationally with 52 career steals. The versatile outfielder has also made 30 appearances in the circle for State, striking out 68 batters over 80.0 innings.
Loza threw 16.2 innings for the Bulldogs in 2020, posting a 1.26 ERA with 14 strikeouts and just four walks. She started the exhibition against the U.S. Olympic Team on Opening Day and threw 3.0 innings, including two scoreless frames. Loza is 9-2 as a Bulldog since joining the team in 2019. In her debut season, she threw the third perfect game in MSU history on just 57 pitches against Valparaiso.
Quinn played in 23 games and started 11 contests in the outfield this spring. She hit a career-best .207 average at the Division I level. She recorded her first extra base hits and stole five bases in 2020.
Williams is on track to graduate in May with her degree in civil engineering and begin pursuing her career in that field. The Mobile, Alabama, native moved into an everyday role for the first time this spring, starting at second base in 21 of State's 28 games. She batted .295 with 10 RBIs and drove the first two home runs of her career.
"I'd like to thank Lindsey for her four years in a Bulldog uniform," Ricketts added. "She exemplifies what it truly means to be a team player. I'm so proud of her for being able to go out on top this year and see her diligence and hard work pay off on the field."
State's 2020 signing class is made up of three newcomers: infielder Taylor Middlebrook, pitcher/infielder Addison Purvis and pitcher Kylie Taylor. Their additions will bring MSU's total roster to 25 student-athletes.
For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."
STARKVILLE – The talented roster that produced one of the most successful seasons in Mississippi State's softball history will look very similar next year. Four of the Bulldogs' five seniors have elected to take advantage of an additional year of eligibility relief offered by the NCAA.
After the 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the NCAA Division I Council voted to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility.
The Bulldogs will welcome back seniors Candace Denis, Fa Leilua, Alyssa Loza and Christian Quinn for the 2021 campaign. Lindsey Williams has chosen not to return to the program after she graduates in May.
"To have them back for another year is a tremendous feeling," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "They've each been an integral part of our program. Who they are as women and as leaders has been such a blessing for this coaching staff. They are the foundation of this team."
Leilua led the Bulldogs in total bases (66), hits (33), runs (28) and RBIs (28) this spring. She has started 86 games State has played since she joined the program in 2019. The Hawthorne, California, native is one of a dozen active players across the country to have hit 50 home runs in her career. She is currently fifth in school history with 31 long balls in the Maroon and White and ranks second in career slugging percentage (.768) and seventh in batting average (.357).
I'm coming back Dawgs 😤😈#STAYTUNED @HailStateSB 🐶 pic.twitter.com/zGVlQYqLQO
— ulufa leilua (@leilua18) April 27, 2020
The final game of the 2020 season marked Denis' 100th as a Bulldog, second only to junior Mia Davidson among those on the active roster. This spring, she was second on the team with 23 RBIs and turned in an error-free season. Denis finished tied for fourth in the SEC with 12 stolen bases, and she ranks 40th among active players nationally with 52 career steals. The versatile outfielder has also made 30 appearances in the circle for State, striking out 68 batters over 80.0 innings.
Looks like this old dawg is gonna learn some new tricks!! #5enior @HailStateSB pic.twitter.com/HBLd8K2Idb
— Candy Queen (@candace_denis) April 27, 2020
Loza threw 16.2 innings for the Bulldogs in 2020, posting a 1.26 ERA with 14 strikeouts and just four walks. She started the exhibition against the U.S. Olympic Team on Opening Day and threw 3.0 innings, including two scoreless frames. Loza is 9-2 as a Bulldog since joining the team in 2019. In her debut season, she threw the third perfect game in MSU history on just 57 pitches against Valparaiso.
I'm beyond blessed to be a part of this program that has made Starkville feel like home.
— Alyssa Loza (@alyssa_loza) April 27, 2020
My dream of playing the game I love will continue.I'll be back competing for the Maroon & White!
THANK YOU to my family,friends,& Bulldog family for your love&support! #HailState #VivaState pic.twitter.com/v0O2WacIDB
Quinn played in 23 games and started 11 contests in the outfield this spring. She hit a career-best .207 average at the Division I level. She recorded her first extra base hits and stole five bases in 2020.
👀 👀...I sure hope my knees don't give out on me pic.twitter.com/XtosjGvNRJ
— Quinn Stefani (@ChristianQuinn5) April 27, 2020
Williams is on track to graduate in May with her degree in civil engineering and begin pursuing her career in that field. The Mobile, Alabama, native moved into an everyday role for the first time this spring, starting at second base in 21 of State's 28 games. She batted .295 with 10 RBIs and drove the first two home runs of her career.
So thankful for these past 4 years at Mississippi State. Hail state forever!! pic.twitter.com/ZRBx52q3VA
— Lindsey Williams (@lcw1122) April 27, 2020
"I'd like to thank Lindsey for her four years in a Bulldog uniform," Ricketts added. "She exemplifies what it truly means to be a team player. I'm so proud of her for being able to go out on top this year and see her diligence and hard work pay off on the field."
State's 2020 signing class is made up of three newcomers: infielder Taylor Middlebrook, pitcher/infielder Addison Purvis and pitcher Kylie Taylor. Their additions will bring MSU's total roster to 25 student-athletes.
For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."
Players Mentioned
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