Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
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Mississippi State
Wildcats' NCAA run ends with loss to Bulldogs
5/17/2015 10:12:00 PM | Softball
LAFAYETTE, Louisiana – The Wildcats' record-setting 2015 season came to a close on Sunday afternoon.
The Weber State University softball team came up just short in its bid for its first-ever NCAA Regionals victory, with the Purple and White falling 2-0 to Mississippi State in an elimination game at the Lafayette Regional at Lamson Park.
The game, which got underway at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday night, was suspended in the bottom of the fourth inning with the Bulldogs leading 1-0 due to lightning. After a two-hour delay, the decision was made to move the conclusion of the game to Sunday, and the Wildcats were unable to rally.
“It's been an incredible experience to come this far, to have the opportunity to play in an NCAA Regional,” senior catcher Mylee Brown said. “What has been even more incredible is the journey we have taken as a team. I am a senior, my cleats are officially hung up, and there is no other way I would have wanted to end my career than with these girls at this tournament.
“We have grown and come together to create something amazing. There are small adjustments to make when you play somewhere new, but all-in-all, the game is the same, and as long as we play Wildcat Softball, I know we will be successful.
“I am so proud of my teammates and I am proud of all the spectacular things we have accomplished this season. I can't wait to see what the Wildcats bring next year.”
Weber State's season finishes with a school, and Big Sky Conference, record 38 wins, along with records in numerous offensive categories.
“This opportunity to compete in the NCAA Regionals was special,” said Weber State coach Mary Kay Amicone, who led the Wildcats to their first Big Sky Conference title and earned the league's Coach of the Year honor. “We learned a lot about ourselves and what it takes to advance. I couldn't be more proud of our team. We are celebrating a great season with many tremendous accomplishments. We appreciate the hard work and leadership our senior class has given us.”
Mississippi State (36-20), out of 11 teams out of the Southeastern Conference, advanced to face Baylor later Sunday, before being eliminated.
Junior third baseman Alyson Kulp went 2-for-3 against Mississippi State, wrapping up her junior season with a school-record 78 hits.
The Wildcats' loss brought to a close the career of eight senior members of the Purple and White, including Big Sky Conference tournament Most Valuable Player MaCauley Flint, who ended her career as Weber State's career strikeout leader with 276.
“I thought this weekend was such a great opportunity and experience,” Kulp said. “We had nothing to prove because we had already showed why we belong here. It was great to be here and have fun with my team and just play for the love of the game.”
Kulp, a junior who was a First Team All-Big Sky Conference selection at third base, will be a key returning piece of the puzzle for the Wildcats next season.
“We just need to keep it simple next year and do the little things.”
