Spartan Softball Makes Early Statement Ahead of Queen City Classic
Michigan State softball is off to a promising start, and the early returns suggest this group might have something special brewing. After a strong showing in Clearwater, the Spartans now turn their attention to North Carolina, where they'll take on a five-game slate at the Queen City Classic in Charlotte.
The competition ramps up quickly - two games each against No. 12/14 Virginia Tech and host Charlotte, plus a matchup with Villanova.
But based on what we’ve seen so far, MSU isn’t just showing up - they’re showing out.
Building Off a 4-1 Start
The Spartans picked up votes in all four national polls this week, and it’s easy to see why. They went 4-1 at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, grabbing wins over No.
12/13 Clemson, BYU, Longwood, and Pitt. Their only loss came against a tough Auburn squad that also received votes.
That 4-1 record ties the best opening weekend marks in recent program history - matching the starts from 2006, 2008, 2015, and 2016. For context, the last time MSU opened with a better stretch was back in 1997, when the Spartans rattled off seven straight wins before falling in extra innings.
Defense Setting the Tone
One of the early storylines for this team? Defense.
The Spartans were sharp in the field, committing just six errors across five games - good for a .962 fielding percentage. That’s not just solid; it’s winning softball.
Compare that to their opponents, who combined for 11 errors over the same stretch.
MSU also turned three double plays, the second-most among Big Ten teams and tied for 22nd nationally. That kind of defensive efficiency gives pitchers confidence and keeps innings from unraveling - something that could prove critical as the competition stiffens.
Fresh Faces Making Noise
Freshman Zoie Bernard wasted no time making her presence felt. In her collegiate debut, she hit .412 with seven total hits - five of which went for extra bases (three doubles and two triples). That’s the kind of production you don’t usually expect out of a freshman in her first weekend, and it’s a welcome sign for a lineup that’s already showing depth.
Sydney Doloszycki led the team with eight hits, batting .421 with a double, four RBIs, and three runs scored. She was locked in all weekend and looks like a key piece at the top or middle of the order.
Power Surge from the Veterans
Veteran bats brought the thunder, too. Britain Beshears and Hannah Hawley each went deep - Beshears with one homer, Hawley with two (one each vs.
BYU and Auburn). Those round-trippers pushed both players into a tie for fifth all-time in program history with 25 career home runs, joining Kaitlyn Eveland ('19) in the record books.
Beshears started all five games at first base, driving in seven runs (second on the team) and drawing four walks. She hit .267 on the weekend, but her impact went beyond the box score - providing leadership and timely production.
Hawley, meanwhile, mashed her way to a .308 average with a double, two homers, and seven RBIs. Her .846 slugging percentage led the team, and her .474 on-base percentage was second-best. That’s a dangerous combo for any opposing pitcher.
Pitching Staff Holding It Down
On the mound, MSU’s pitching staff compiled a 2.80 ERA across 35 innings, allowing just 14 earned runs. They gave up only seven extra-base hits and struck out 19 - a balanced, efficient effort that gave the Spartans a chance in every game.
Autumn Behlke led the way in workload, tossing 11.1 innings and collecting two wins, including a 6.1-inning outing against Pitt. She allowed 12 hits and struck out two, doing enough to keep her team in control.
Jacey Schuler was equally impressive, posting a 1.50 ERA across 9.1 innings. She made three starts - tied for the most in the Big Ten and fifth nationally - and didn’t allow a single extra-base hit. Her seven strikeouts led all Spartan starters.
Another arm stood out in the win over Clemson, delivering 3.2 innings of one-hit ball with three strikeouts. Through three appearances (8.1 IP), she’s yet to allow an earned run and leads the staff with eight strikeouts.
Looking Ahead
The Queen City Classic presents another big test, especially with two games against a top-15 Virginia Tech team. But if MSU can carry over the momentum from Clearwater - with clean defense, timely hitting, and steady pitching - they’re going to be a tough out.
This team has the look of a group that believes it can compete with anyone. And after one weekend, they've already given us plenty of reasons to believe it, too.