Hollenhead experiences success in fall softball with MSU

October 23, 2011

MSU third baseman and former East Webster player Swayze Hollenhead makes a throw to first base on Saturday. (Photo by Lee Adams, SDN)

Former East Webster standout Swayze Hollenhead has experienced success in her first taste of college softball.
Hollenhead, who was feared by opposing schools with her pitching ability, has dropped anchor on the hot corner at MIssissippi State.
The freshman played third base for the Bulldogs during the fall season and she ended it with two starts in MSU's sweep over Southern Miss on Saturday.
Playing in the field isn't foreign to Hollenhead, but she does miss her old position every now and then.
"Somedays I miss pitching, but not as much as I use to," said Hollenhead. "I was a fielder before I pitched so it feels like home, being able to play the field again."
Making the jump from high school softball to any level of college ball is difficult, but making the jump from 2A softball to Southeastern Conference softball is even more difficult due to the speed of the game. However, that doesn't seem to be a huge factor for Hollenhead.
"She's a gamer and she adjusts quickly," said MSU head coach Vann Stuedeman. "The ball might go by her once or she might get fooled once by a pitcher, but the next time she's going to be fighting in there. She's a fast learner and I'm loving every minute of coaching her."
Hollenhead didn't have much success at the plate in the fall season finales but did draw several walks and had a great game defensively.
"I didn't hit that good in the first game, but I glad I had my teammates back me up," said Hollenhead. 
Even though Hollenhead didn't have her best game, her hard work is not going unnoticed.
"Swayze is competitive and exactly the type of player I want to coach," said Stuedeman. "She's going to give everything she has every single pitch and every single moment. If she's not happy with her performance, she's only going to work harder. 
One of the many things, Hollenhead is enjoying about being a part of the Bulldog softball program is how the team is meshing.
"We are coming together as a team and I'm loving it," said Hollenhead.