Despite early upsets and standout performances from freshman phenom Zoie Bernard, the Spartans endured a grueling collapse, winning just three conference games to finish at the conference cellar.
It was a season to forget for MSU softball.
There were a few highs and moments of momentum building, but overall, in the games that mattered most, the Spartans came up short—sometimes even looking completely absent.
The Spartans failed to make the Big Ten Tournament this year, and they weren’t anywhere near the bubble to get in. Michigan State played 23 conference games this season and mustered just three victories.
Overall, the season ended with a 17-34 (3-20) record—a disappointing outcome for third-year head coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley. The Spartans had high hopes coming into the season and were finding ways to squeak out early wins, including some of the bigger upsets in recent memory for this program.
But as the days warmed up and the competition intensified, the tide began to turn—and the Spartans couldn’t hang on. Soon, they were dropping conference games one after another and found themselves settled at the bottom of the standings, where they remained for the entirety of the season.
Tied with Michigan State for last place in the Big Ten was Illinois, who also finished 3-20 in conference play, with Maryland and Rutgers sitting just above them.
Despite the struggles, there were still bright spots—led by freshman phenom Zoie Bernard. She finished the season leading the team in nearly every major category, including batting average (.307), at-bats (163), runs (30), hits (50), doubles (13), triples (5), total bases (79), slugging percentage (.485), walks (31), and stolen bases (8).
Senior Sydney Doloszycki also put together a strong season, hitting .302—second best on the team. She was tied for third with four home runs and led the Spartans with 27 RBIs, showcasing her ability to deliver in key moments. Doloszycki finished second on the team in total bases (62) and third in slugging percentage (.446), capping off her career with an impressive final campaign.
Another senior, Britain Beshears, led the team in home runs with six. She wrapped up her final season with a .416 slugging percentage, along with 23 RBIs, 21 runs, and a .232 batting average.
As for the pitching staff, it was a bit of an uphill battle—but still one that featured consistent, valiant efforts throughout the season. Sophomore Jacey Schuler led the team with 92.0 innings pitched and finished second with 49 strikeouts. She posted a 5-15 record with a 5.25 ERA, showing flashes of potential that should position her as a key piece atop the rotation next season.
Another sophomore, Carsyn Cassady, led the team in strikeouts with 74. She finished the season 5-11 with a 5.62 ERA and is also expected to play a major role in the Spartans’ pitching rotation moving forward. Cassady logged significant innings as well, finishing second on the team with 89.2 innings pitched.
In the end, this season won’t be remembered for its record—but every season carries meaning beyond the numbers. The bonds formed, the experiences gained, and the memories created will last far longer than any stat line.
Softball has a certain feel to it—a certain smell. Something bigger unfolds on the field, in the dugout, and within the team that’s simply indescribable.
The season wasn’t what the Spartans wanted, but they gave it everything they had.