No. 1 Tennessee Softball Drops First Game of Season Despite Phenomenal Pitching

Tennessee's 26-0 start to the season ends with a 1-0 loss to Mississippi State.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The top-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols softball team suffered its first loss of the season, falling 1-0 to Mississippi State in Starkville. Despite strong pitching performances, Tennessee's bats were silenced as Mississippi State's Peja Goold threw a complete game shutout. The loss ends Tennessee's 26-game winning streak to start the season, which was the best start in program history.

Why it matters

Tennessee softball was off to a historic start, winning their first 26 games of the season. This loss, while disappointing, does not derail their season goals, as they still have a chance to set a new program record for consecutive home wins. The Lady Vols will look to bounce back in the rubber match on Sunday.

The details

In the loss, Tennessee's Maddi Rutan threw 4.2 innings of hitless softball, while Erin Nuwer came in relief but allowed the game-winning walk-off home run to Mississippi State's Taylor Troutman in the 9th inning. On the offensive side, Tennessee was held to just two hits by Peja Goold, who struck out 10 batters in the complete game shutout.

  • Tennessee started the season 26-0, the best start in program history.
  • The Lady Vols' loss to Mississippi State on March 14, 2026 ended their 26-game winning streak.
  • Tennessee's current home winning streak stands at 11 games, with the program record at 28 games.

The players

Maddi Rutan

Tennessee pitcher who threw 4.2 innings of hitless softball in the loss.

Erin Nuwer

Tennessee pitcher who came in relief and allowed the game-winning home run.

Peja Goold

Mississippi State pitcher who threw a complete game shutout, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 10 batters.

Taylor Troutman

Mississippi State player who hit the game-winning walk-off home run in the 9th inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tennessee will look to bounce back in the rubber match against Mississippi State on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, which will air on SECN+.

The takeaway

While Tennessee's historic start to the season has come to an end, the Lady Vols still have plenty to play for, including the opportunity to set a new program record for consecutive home wins. This loss serves as a wake-up call, and Tennessee will look to regroup and get back in the win column on Sunday.