Freshmen Make A Statement

STARKVILLE – The freshmen wearing the Maroon and White are making immediate impacts this season for Mississippi State softball.

Their contributions in all aspects of the game have aided the Bulldogs to two top-10 victories, most-recently a win over No. 10 Florida. The freshman trio of Salen Hawkins, Kylee Edwards and Ella Wesolowski combined for 13 hits and eight RBIs in the series against the Gators this week.

Since arriving at MSU in the fall, the trio has made continuous strides to improve and learn under State's tenured coaching staff and experienced teammates. They've combined for .339 average with a .932 OPS and 59 RBIs this year.

"They really aren't playing like freshmen anymore," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "It's good to see them grow up before our eyes because they are such a vital part of our lineup – what they do both offensively and defensively. They had quality at-bats against some good pitching."

The athletic ability of Edwards and Hawkins makes Wesolowski's job behind the plate much smoother.

"I trust them with everything," Wesolowski said. "I'm at a loss of words because we're all just so close and we all have such a good communication system. I know that if runners go, they've got me."

Edwards and Hawkins are not shy about making flashy plays in front of the Maroon and White faithful. The pair has been involved in 13 double plays and displayed their arms with highlight-worthy moments in the first season at MSU.

"Me and Salen work very well together, and I have complete confidence in her on that side of the field," Edwards said. "She does the same for me on the other side of the field. We complement each other very well because we trust each other."

The talented freshmen's bond has allowed them to gain confidence in each other and their abilities as individual players on the field and at the plate.

As the three newcomers adjust to the competition of SEC softball, there are plenty of learning experiences ahead; however, the trio has settled in nicely and found their rhythm early in their careers.

"I would say it's a lot different than what we faced in the past, but I think all three of us are very composed and we don't play like freshmen," Edwards said about facing SEC pitching staffs. "We all believe in each other, and we work together."

The chemistry between newcomers and veterans alike has created a recipe of success for the Bulldogs so far this season. State recorded its' largest comeback since 2021 in the 13-12 Game 1 victory against No. 10 Florida.

With plenty of softball left to play this season, the rookies are eager to contribute on the field and at the plate for their teammates.

"In the end, I'm just so glad that they trusted me, and I trust them," Wesolowski said. "The big thing with our team is communication, and the crowd showed up which really put that energy to the next level. I think the message going forward is that we've stuck with a top-10 team, and we've proven that it can be done."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Kylee Edwards

Salen Hawkins

Ella Wesolowski

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