The No. 20 Mississippi State softball team is set to make history with its first-ever appearance at the Women’s College World Series, starting on Thursday against No. 4 Texas Tech. This matchup reignites a rivalry as Texas Tech ended MSU's season in the Lubbock Regional last year. Despite the previous loss, the Bulldogs showcased resilience earlier this year with a thrilling extra-innings victory over the Red Raiders. Key players like Morgan Stiles and Kiarra Sells have proven success against Texas Tech, setting the stage for another competitive showdown.

By the Numbers
  • Mississippi State has made 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, with a tournament record of 30-40.
  • Alyssa Faircloth set MSU NCAA Tournament single-year records for wins and strikeouts, achieving 15.2 scoreless innings in the regionals.
State of Play
  • Bulldogs clinched their place in the WCWS by defeating No. 2 Oklahoma, ending their five-year postseason run.
  • MSU has set records for NCAA Tournament wins, achieving five victories this year, their longest postseason winning streak.
What's Next

If MSU beats Texas Tech, they will face the winner of the No. 6 Texas vs. No. 8 Tennessee match. A loss will lead them to play the loser of the same matchup on Friday.

Bottom Line

Mississippi State’s entry into the Women’s College World Series marks a significant milestone for the program, showcasing their growth and resilience. Their performance against top-tier teams emphasizes the team's potential to make a deep run in the tournament.