Bulldogs Prove They Can Hang With the Best Despite Series Loss

Mississippi State battled back from an early deficit but fell at Florida after a replay review at the plate, missing a chance at a statement SEC series win.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:38pm

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Despite falling 5-4 to No. 5 Florida in a close game that came down to a replay review at the plate, the No. 13 Mississippi State Bulldogs showed they can compete with the top teams in the SEC. The Bulldogs rallied from an early 4-1 deficit, tying the game in the 7th inning, before ultimately coming up just short in the series finale.

Why it matters

This series loss to a top-5 opponent is a missed opportunity for Mississippi State to make a statement and shake up the SEC standings, but it also demonstrates the Bulldogs' ability to battle back against elite competition. The close defeat will serve as motivation as they prepare to host another top-10 team, No. 9 Arkansas, next weekend.

The details

Mississippi State fell behind 4-1 early but chipped away at the deficit, getting solo home runs from Nadia Barbary, Xiane Romero, and Kiarra Sells to pull even at 4-4 in the 7th inning. Pitcher Alyssa Faircloth settled things down, throwing 4.2 scoreless innings and striking out 6. With the game tied, a pinch-hit sacrifice fly from Taylor Troutman gave the Bulldogs a chance to steal the series, but they ultimately fell 5-4 after a close play at the plate was upheld by video review.

  • The series finale against Florida took place on Easter Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Mississippi State will host No. 9 Arkansas next weekend for Alumni Weekend and All For Alex day.

The players

Samantha Ricketts

The head coach of the Mississippi State softball team.

Nadia Barbary

A Mississippi State player who hit a solo home run to help the Bulldogs rally.

Xiane Romero

A Mississippi State player who hit a solo home run to help the Bulldogs rally.

Kiarra Sells

A Mississippi State player who hit a solo home run to help the Bulldogs rally.

Alyssa Faircloth

The Mississippi State pitcher who threw 4.2 scoreless innings and struck out 6 to keep the Bulldogs in the game.

Taylor Troutman

The Mississippi State player who hit a pinch-hit sacrifice fly to tie the game in the 7th inning.

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What they’re saying

“I loved the fight that we showed after being down, and then, again, in the seventh. Those are the lessons we have to take with us through the rest of the SEC, just continuing to show up and battle and know that it's going to be a grind. I like the fight. I like the grit, and I think we're in a position to use that to propel us moving forward.”

— Samantha Ricketts, Head Coach, Mississippi State Softball

“We talk a lot about being ready when your name's called, and doing whatever your role is that day. I think they all do a great job of having each other's backs and being ready to end up in their moment. You know, that's just kind of something that's automatic. They expected that of themselves and their teammates.”

— Samantha Ricketts, Head Coach, Mississippi State Softball

What’s next

No. 9 Arkansas comes to Starkville next weekend for Alumni Weekend and All For Alex day, providing the Bulldogs another chance to make a statement against a top-10 opponent.

The takeaway

Despite the tough loss, Mississippi State proved it can compete with the best teams in the SEC. The Bulldogs' resilience and ability to battle back from an early deficit will serve them well as they continue their conference schedule and look to climb the rankings.