Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's softball team secured its first victory of the 2025 season with a decisive 9-1 win against Western Michigan at Hillenbrand Stadium, concluding their participation in the Candrea Classic. This result improved MSU's overall record to 1-4, while Western Michigan ended the weekend with a 1-2 record.

Freshman pitcher Jacey Schuler claimed her first collegiate win by pitching 6.1 innings and striking out five batters. Despite allowing a lead-off home run in the first inning, Schuler managed to keep Western Michigan scoreless for five consecutive innings thereafter. Senior Faith Guidry provided relief in the sixth inning with bases loaded, successfully ending the game by inducing a double play.

Junior Sydney Doloszycki contributed significantly with three hits and three runs scored, including a two-run home run in the seventh inning. Senior Macy Lee and sophomore Hannah Greer each had two hits during the game. Greer hit one of two crucial two-run homers for MSU in the fourth inning, breaking a 1-1 tie.

Senior Mik Anthony also made an impact by reaching base twice through a two-run homer and a walk. Sophomore Kendall Smiley and junior Hannah Hawley each stole bases for MSU. Hawley joined Lee and junior Britain Beshears with one RBI each.

Beshears initiated scoring for MSU by doubling to left-center field, bringing Smiley home from second base early in the game. Western Michigan's Payton Kelly tied it up at 1-1 with a lead-off home run until MSU took control again in the fourth inning.

The Spartans expanded their lead to 7-1 in the sixth inning thanks to RBI singles from Lee and Hawley before Doloszycki sealed their victory with her seventh-inning home run.

In the bottom of the seventh, Western Michigan loaded bases with one out through three singles but was unable to capitalize as Guidry induced another double play to conclude proceedings efficiently.