MSU Softball Blanks Northern Iowa

Michigan State softball defeats Northern Iowa 1-0 in final day of Littlewood Classic.

TEMPE, Ariz. – Michigan State softball edged Northern Iowa, 1-0, Sunday afternoon in the Littlewood Classic and improved its record to 5-4 on the season. Senior Jenny Ramsaier notched the lone RBI of the competition, while junior Kelly Smith compiled a season-high 11 strikeouts as she pitched a complete game.

The Spartans went 4-1 over the weekend at the Littlewood Classic, which was hosted by Arizona State.

MSU scored the lone run of the game in the second inning. With two outs and the bases empty, Alyssa McBride and McKinzie Freimuth recorded back-to-back walks, setting the stage for Ramsaier, who singled home McBride.

Senior Kylene Hopkins was 2-for-3 to lead the Spartans at the plate.

Smith is now 4-1 on the mound after recording her first career shutout as a Spartan.

Northern Iowa fell to 3-7 on the season.

MSU will see action next weekend in Ft. Myers, Fla., at the Florida Gulf Coast Tournament. The Spartans will begin the tournament facing St. Bonaventure on Friday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. Michigan State will also face Albany, Villanova and Florida Gulf Coast.