CLINTON, Miss. --- In a highly anticipated matchup, the #10 Mississippi College Lady Choctaws (39-6) are set to face off against their bitter rivals, the Delta State Statesman (11-37), at University Field in Cleveland, Mississippi, on April 26-27.
Series History:
The Choctaws hold a commanding lead in the all-time series, boasting a 52-37 record and riding a seven-game win streak against Delta State. Their last encounter, on April 29, 2023, saw MC emerge victorious with a score of seven to one. However, while Mississippi College has dominated at home with a 27-13 record, they have faced challenges on the road, with Delta State leading 19-17 in away games.
Expect plenty of action on the field, as this matchup has historically produced high-scoring games, with a total of 370 runs scored and an average of 4.16 runs per game. Notably, the Choctaws' last series loss to the Statesman occurred in February 2016 in Cleveland, MS.
At Home (Clinton): When Delta State visits Clinton, MC has proven to be stingy, conceding an average of just 2.3 runs per game since 2016. This showcases their ability to lock down their opponents and maintain control of the game on their home turf.
On the Road (Cleveland): However, the story shifts when Mississippi College travels to Cleveland. In this scenario, MC has encountered more challenges defensively, allowing an average of 6.25 runs per game since 2016. This indicates a greater difficulty in shutting down Delta State's offense when playing away from home.
Team Comparison:
As both teams prepare to square off, the statistics paint an intriguing picture. Mississippi College boasts the 18th best batting average in the nation at .347, compared to Delta State's .279 average. On the defensive front, the Statesman pride themselves on their .953 fielding percentage, while MC boasts a .955 fielding percentage.
Home runs are expected to be a key factor, with MC ranking 15th in the country with 1.29 home runs per game, while Delta State ranks 48th with .88 home runs per game.
Players to Watch:
Players to watch include Abbi Cataldo for the Statesman, leading with a 1.013 OPS, and a host of Choctaws players including Jordan LaFosse, Kamryn Eaton, and McCall Lee, who have been instrumental in Mississippi College's success this season.
While the Mississippi College Lady Choctaws showcase a formidable lineup, it's clear that their strength lies in the collective efforts of multiple standout players, rather than relying on just one individual. Here's a closer look at some of their key contributors:
Jordan LaFosse: Batting an impressive .414 with a remarkable 1.269 OPS, LaFosse has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate. With 145 at-bats, she has amassed 47 runs, 60 hits, including 16 doubles and 13 home runs, and has driven in an impressive 55 RBIs. Her slugging percentage stands at an impressive .793.
Kamryn Eaton: Holding a solid .394 batting average and an impressive 1.294 OPS, Eaton brings consistency and power to the plate. In 104 at-bats, she has scored 35 runs, collected 41 hits, including 7 doubles and 11 home runs, and has driven in 33 RBIs. Her slugging percentage is an impressive .798.
McCall Lee: With a batting average of .386 and an OPS of 1.162, Lee adds depth to the Choctaws' offensive lineup. In 145 at-bats, she has scored 34 runs and tallied 56 hits, including 7 doubles and 13 home runs. Like Eaton, she has also driven in 33 RBIs, with a slugging percentage of .717.
Together, these players contribute to the Choctaws' offensive firepower, posing a formidable challenge for opposing pitchers and solidifying Mississippi College's position as a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming showdown against Delta State.
Game Schedule:
With playoff seeding on the line, Mississippi College aims to maintain their first-place position by securing victories in this crucial series. Game 1 is scheduled for April 26 at 5 pm, followed by Game 2 on April 27 at 1 pm, and Game 3 at 3 pm.
