No. 12 Mississippi State Softball Defeats Georgia Tech, 8-3

Bulldogs hit four home runs, Alyssa Faircloth strikes out 11 in the win

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The No. 12 Mississippi State softball team defeated Georgia Tech 8-3 on the road, powered by four home runs and a dominant pitching performance from Alyssa Faircloth. Faircloth struck out 11 batters in 5.1 innings, while Nadia Barbary, Kiarra Sells, and Morgan Bernardini all homered for the Bulldogs.

Why it matters

The win improves Mississippi State's record to 15-1 on the season, continuing their strong start. The Bulldogs' combination of power hitting and stellar pitching has been a recipe for success so far this year.

The details

Faircloth (6-0) scattered five hits and two runs while striking out 11 and walking none. Des Rivera, Barbary, Sells, and Bernardini all hit home runs for the Bulldogs, with Sells and Bernardini driving in multiple runs. Peja Goold pitched the final 1.2 innings to record the save.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Alyssa Faircloth

The Troy transfer has been Mississippi State's best pitcher this season, leading the team in strikeouts, innings, and wins.

Nadia Barbary

Hit a home run in the third inning to give Mississippi State the lead back after Georgia Tech had tied the game.

Kiarra Sells

Had a double, home run, and two RBIs in the win.

Morgan Bernardini

Belted a three-run home run in the seventh inning to extend Mississippi State's lead.

Peja Goold

Came in to pitch the final 1.2 innings and record the save for the Bulldogs.

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What they’re saying

“Pitching, defense and the home run ball have been the recipe for a great start to the season for No. 12 Mississippi State softball and those things traveled to the road on Wednesday.”

— Robbie Faulk, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

The Bulldogs (15-1) will head to Clemson, South Carolina to take part in the Tiger Invitational this weekend, facing Wofford on Friday morning, Georgia Southern on Saturday morning, and No. 25 Clemson on Saturday afternoon.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's powerful offense and dominant pitching have fueled their strong 15-1 start to the season. The Bulldogs' ability to win on the road against a quality opponent like Georgia Tech demonstrates their potential to be a force in the SEC and nationally this year.