The No. 20 Mississippi State softball team begins its NCAA Tournament journey on Friday, May 15, at the Eugene Regional facing Saint Mary's. This matchup marks the first meeting in the NCAA Tournament between the Bulldogs and the Gaels. Mississippi State enters with a 38-18 record and is led by standout players including Peja Goold and Alyssa Faircloth, both named SEC Newcomer of the Year. The team is aiming for its highest win total under head coach Samantha Ricketts and to secure a 40-win season for the first time since 2008.

By the Numbers
  • Mississippi State has 38 wins entering the tournament, chasing a 40-win season for the first time since 2008.
  • MSU's pitching staff has tied the program single-season record with 468 strikeouts.
State of Play
  • MSU's standout Morgan Stiles has the highest NCAA Tournament performance metrics, leading the team in hits, average, and slugging percentage.
  • The Bulldogs aim to improve their NCAA Tournament history, currently standing with a record of 25-39 overall.
What's Next

If Mississippi State wins against Saint Mary's, they will face the winner of the Idaho State vs. No. 12 Oregon game on Saturday, May 16. The tournament will progress with a series of games scheduled over the weekend, putting pressure on teams to advance.

Bottom Line

Mississippi State enters the NCAA Tournament with significant momentum, aiming to leverage its strong performances and key player achievements to advance deeper into postseason play. This could set the foundation for future success and establish MSU as a formidable competitor in women's college softball.