No. 19 Mississippi State Softball Defeats Southern Miss 5-0

Bulldogs stay perfect on the season with home-opening win

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The No. 19 Mississippi State softball team defeated Southern Miss 5-0 on Tuesday at Nusz Park in Starkville. The Bulldogs (5-0) were led by a strong pitching performance and timely hitting, including a solo home run by Des Rivera and an RBI double by Rivera in the 5th inning. Freshman Kinley Keller also had an RBI single in the 6th inning to help extend the Bulldogs' lead.

Why it matters

This win keeps Mississippi State undefeated on the young season and builds momentum for the Bulldogs as they look to make a run in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. The team's strong start at home is also an encouraging sign for the program and its fans.

The details

Southern Miss threatened to take the lead in the 3rd inning, but MSU center fielder Abby Grace Richardson made a great catch to keep the bases clear. The Bulldogs then broke through in the bottom of the 3rd with a sacrifice fly by Nadia Barbary. Rivera's solo shot in the 5th made it 2-0, and the Bulldogs tacked on 3 more runs in the 6th to seal the victory.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • MSU's next game is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. against Murray State.

The players

Abby Grace Richardson

Mississippi State center fielder who made a key defensive play to keep the game scoreless in the 3rd inning.

Nadia Barbary

Mississippi State player who hit a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.

Des Rivera

Mississippi State player who hit a solo home run in the 5th inning and an RBI double in the 6th to extend the Bulldogs' lead.

Kinley Keller

Mississippi State freshman who hit an RBI single in the 6th inning to make the score 5-0.

Alyssa Faircloth

Mississippi State pitcher who came in to close out the final two innings and secure the shutout victory.

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What’s next

Mississippi State will look to continue its undefeated start to the season when it hosts Murray State on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's strong start to the season, including Tuesday's shutout win over Southern Miss, demonstrates the team's potential to be a contender in the SEC and nationally this year. The Bulldogs' combination of solid pitching, timely hitting, and strong defense has them off to an impressive 5-0 beginning.