Rebels and Bulldogs Collide In M&F Fastpitch Classic

OXFORD, Miss. The Ole Miss softball team will clash with in-state rival Mississippi State as the showcase game of the fifth annual M&F Fastpitch Classic on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Park in Madison, Miss.

The event, which also includes a pair of high school games, is in its fifth year of helping generate support for the sport of fastpitch softball in the state of Mississippi. Among the scheduled activities is an autograph signing following the Rebels’ game against the Bulldogs.

“This is a good event in two respects,” said Rebel head coach Missy Dickerson. “It gives our staff a chance to watch some high school games we might not normally have time for, and it also provides a central location for people to come and watch a very strong and competitive in-state rivalry. We’re trying to promote the sport of softball, and I hope there is a good performance from both sides. We want to encourage kids to get better and to want to come to our respective schools.”

Ole Miss is looking to defeat Mississippi State for the fifth straight time after sweeping last year’s series, including a 2-1 win in Ridgeland to retain the M&F Trophy. This year’s neutral site game will not count toward the conference standings as in previous years, as the two squads will compete in a three-game SEC series in Starkville April 6-7.

The Bulldogs enter the week with a 20-15 record, including a 4-7 mark in SEC play. They most recently went 2-1 in a weekend series against Auburn, from whom the Rebel also took two-of-three earlier this season.

“Mississippi State is playing well right now,” Dickerson said. “Anytime you have a game against an in-state rival, both teams are expected to compete at their highest level because they are fighting for in-state respect. Like always, I think it will be a battle. We need to be ready to play.”

State is led by freshman catcher Chelsea Bramlett’s .397 batting average and seven doubles. She is one of five Bulldogs hitting .300 or better. Junior shortstop Courtney Bures boasts a team-high 34 RBI to go with her .347 average.

The MSU pitching staff is anchored by senior right-hander Kelli Miller, who owns an 8-6 record and 1.27 ERA. Senior reliever Sara Hickerson leads the SEC with six saves and boasts a 1.35 ERA.

Ole Miss remained in third place in the SEC West and fifth overall in the SEC despite a series loss at Kentucky last weekend. The Rebels enter the week with a 14-20 overall mark and 5-6 record in league play.

Freshman third baseman Lauren Grill has powered an improved offense this year with her team-high .327 average, 11 home runs and 20 RBI. She ranks second in the SEC in home runs this season. Her 11th long ball of the season tied the all-time freshman record at Ole Miss set by DeDe Justice in 2002.

Tickets for Wednesday’s event are available at metro Jackson area M&F Bank branches and are also available for sell from any of the four competing high school softball teams (Grenada, Madison Central, Northwest Rankin, Richland).  Children age 10 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.  Any high school team that would like to come to the game needs to contact Joe Iupe, game chairman at 601-942-1689.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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