No. 13 Bulldog softball bounces back with doubleheader sweep

Mississippi State dominates Belmont and Delaware State in Bulldog Invitational

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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After dropping the first game of the season, the No. 13 Mississippi State Bulldogs softball team bounced back with a doubleheader sweep in the Bulldog Invitational. The Bulldogs defeated Belmont 4-1 in the first game, then routed Delaware State 19-1 in five innings in the second game.

Why it matters

The Bulldogs' strong performance in the doubleheader sweep shows their resilience and ability to bounce back after an early season loss. As a top-15 ranked team, these wins help maintain their position and momentum heading into the rest of the season.

The details

In the first game against Belmont, the Bulldogs scored three runs in the first inning and added one more in the third to win 4-1. Pitcher Alyssa Faicloth had a dominant outing, striking out 13 batters. In the second game, the Bulldogs exploded for 7 runs in the first inning and 6 more in the fourth to win 19-1 in 5 innings. The Bulldogs had 13 hits, including 5 doubles and 4 home runs, with 12 different players recording a hit.

  • The Bulldogs lost to Belmont 1-0 on Friday afternoon.
  • The Bulldogs defeated Belmont 4-1 on Saturday.
  • The Bulldogs defeated Delaware State 19-1 in 5 innings on Saturday.
  • The Bulldogs will play Delaware State again on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

The players

Alyssa Faicloth

The Bulldogs' starting pitcher who struck out 13 batters in 5.2 innings against Belmont.

Peja Goold

The Bulldogs' relief pitcher who recorded 1.1 scoreless innings and a strikeout against Belmont.

Morgan Bernardini

The Bulldogs' player who went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two RBIs against Delaware State.

Abby Grace Richardson

The Bulldogs' player who hit a three-run home run against Delaware State.

Des Rivera

The Bulldogs' player who hit a three-run home run against Delaware State.

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What they’re saying

“After dropping the first game of the season, Mississippi State got right back on track on the softball diamond Saturday.”

— Robbie Faulk, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

The Bulldogs will finish up the Bulldog Invitational on Sunday by playing Delaware State for the second time at 10:30 a.m.

The takeaway

The Bulldogs' dominant doubleheader sweep, including a blowout win over Delaware State, demonstrates their resilience and ability to bounce back after an early season loss. As a top-15 ranked team, these wins help maintain their position and momentum heading into the rest of the season.