No. 1 Tennessee tops No. 12 Mississippi State in SEC softball series

Bulldogs drop competitive series finale after splitting first two games

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:34pm

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In a hard-fought SEC softball opener, No. 1 Tennessee defeated No. 12 Mississippi State 4-1 on Sunday to take the competitive series after the teams split the first two games. The Bulldogs' lone run came on a solo home run, but Tennessee pulled away late with a two-run single in the seventh inning.

Why it matters

This early-season SEC series between two ranked softball programs provided an important early test for both teams as they look to establish themselves in conference play. The Bulldogs put up a strong fight but ultimately came up short against the top-ranked Lady Volunteers.

The details

After dropping a heartbreaking extra-inning game on Friday, Mississippi State bounced back to win 1-0 on Saturday. But Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens dominated the Bulldogs' lineup on Sunday, allowing just one hit - a solo home run by Gabby Schaeffer. The game was tied 1-1 until the seventh inning, when Tennessee's Ella Dodge delivered a two-run single to give the Lady Vols some breathing room.

  • The series took place over the weekend of March 15, 2026.
  • Sunday's finale was played on March 17, 2026.

The players

Karlyn Pickens

Tennessee pitcher who dominated Mississippi State, allowing just one hit and four walks with six strikeouts.

Gabby Schaeffer

Mississippi State player who hit a solo home run in the third inning to tie the game 1-1.

Ella Dodge

Tennessee player who delivered a two-run single in the seventh inning to give the Lady Vols a late lead.

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What they’re saying

“It was a tough series defeat for the Bulldogs, but State put together three strong performances.”

— Robbie Faulk, Author

What’s next

Mississippi State will host UAB on Wednesday, March 20 before traveling to face No. 15 Georgia over the weekend.

The takeaway

This series highlighted the competitiveness of SEC softball, with the top-ranked Lady Volunteers narrowly edging out the 12th-ranked Bulldogs. Both teams showed they will be forces to be reckoned with in conference play this season.