ELKVILLE — Softball standout Morgan Bernardini says she knew from a young age that she wanted to play in college, and do so at a high level.

Bernardini is trading one SEC for another–going from Elverado in the South Egyptian Conference to Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference. It’s a difference likely greater than the nearly 400 miles from Elkville to Starkville.

Bernardini committed to Mississippi State last September. She says Bulldogs’ head coach Samantha Ricketts was the first to call her in the recruiting process and fit with the team and the campus was perfect.

Bernadini hit .653 with 10 home runs for the Lady Falcons and led the state with 65 runs scored last spring.