Ricketts' 200th Win Highlights Fast Start for No. 22 Mississippi State

Bulldogs softball coach becomes fastest in school history to reach 200 career wins

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:55am

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Samantha Ricketts became the fastest softball coach in Mississippi State history to reach 200 wins as the Bulldogs swept Friday's games at the Getterman Classic. Ricketts, in her seventh year as head coach, hit the milestone with a pair of wins over Northwestern State and Wichita State, improving the No. 22 Bulldogs to 3-0 on the season.

Why it matters

Ricketts' 200th win is a significant milestone that highlights the success and growth of the Mississippi State softball program under her leadership. The Bulldogs' fast 3-0 start to the season also signals they could be a team to watch in the competitive SEC conference this year.

The details

In the first game, freshman Taylor Troutman hit two home runs in her first two career at-bats to power the Bulldogs to a 9-3 win over Northwestern State. In the second game, Nadia Barbary hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to lift Mississippi State to a 5-2 victory over Wichita State. The Bulldogs' strong pitching and timely hitting have them off to an impressive start to the 2026 season.

  • Samantha Ricketts became the fastest softball coach in Mississippi State history to reach 200 wins on February 6, 2026.
  • The Bulldogs swept Friday's games at the Getterman Classic on February 6, 2026.

The players

Samantha Ricketts

The seventh-year head coach of the Mississippi State softball team who became the fastest in school history to reach 200 career wins.

Taylor Troutman

A freshman outfielder for Mississippi State who hit two home runs in her first two career at-bats in the Bulldogs' win over Northwestern State.

Nadia Barbary

A Mississippi State player who hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to lift the Bulldogs to a 5-2 win over Wichita State.

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What they’re saying

“It's really special to think back on all of the players and staff who have been a part of it. They've all been such a huge part, buying into what we stand for and what we're working to do. I'm thankful for all of them — and looking forward to getting some more.”

— Samantha Ricketts, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bulldogs will close out their opening weekend on Saturday morning against New Mexico, looking to continue their fast start to the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Samantha Ricketts' 200th career win as Mississippi State's softball coach is a testament to the sustained success and growth of the program under her leadership. The Bulldogs' 3-0 start to the season suggests they could be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC this year.