Madison Francis is set to play near home Saturday when Mississippi State meets an opponent in Buffalo, New York, about 20 minutes from her hometown of Lancaster. The 11 a.m. Central time game is expected to draw about 100 of Francis’ family members and friends, according to the team’s account.
The trip also gives Francis a chance to show her teammates the area where she grew up. Mississippi State plans to visit Niagara Falls during its stay, and Francis said she was excited to return home with the team.
Coach Sam Purcell said he makes an effort to schedule games in players’ hometowns when possible. Many players on his roster are from outside Mississippi, he said, and he wants them to have a chance to play in front of the people who supported them before college…