No. 17 Bulldogs Shutout Southern Miss 5-0 to Remain Unbeaten

Mississippi State softball team continues strong start to 2026 season with home-opening win.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The No. 17 Mississippi State Bulldogs softball team shutout in-state rival Southern Miss 5-0 on Tuesday night at Nusz Park. Middle Tennessee transfer Leila Ammon pitched 5 strong innings, striking out 6, and Troy transfer Alyssa Faircloth closed out the final 2 innings without allowing a hit or run. Iowa transfer catcher Des Rivera provided the offensive spark with a home run and a 2-run double in the 5th and 6th innings to give the Bulldogs a 5-0 lead, which they would hold onto for the victory.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Bulldogs undefeated at 5-0 to start the 2026 season, building momentum after sweeping the Getterman Classic tournament in Waco, Texas last weekend. The strong pitching performances and timely hitting are positive signs for a Bulldogs team looking to build on last season's success.

The details

Leila Ammon threw 5 innings, striking out 6 batters while allowing just 3 hits and no walks or runs. Alyssa Faircloth followed with 2 more scoreless innings, giving up 1 walk but no hits. The Bulldogs' offense was led by Des Rivera, who broke out of a slump with a solo home run in the 6th inning and a 2-run double later in the frame to provide the final 5-0 margin.

  • The game was the home opener for the Bulldogs on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • Mississippi State had previously swept the Getterman Classic tournament in Waco, Texas last weekend.

The players

Leila Ammon

A Middle Tennessee transfer who started the game for the Bulldogs, pitching 5 strong innings with 6 strikeouts.

Alyssa Faircloth

A Troy transfer who pitched the final 2 innings for the Bulldogs, not allowing any hits or runs.

Des Rivera

An Iowa transfer catcher who provided the offensive spark with a solo home run and a 2-run double.

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What they’re saying

“We've got a great group of pitchers this year and they showed that again tonight. Leila and Alyssa were both dominant, and Des really came through for us at the plate when we needed it.”

— Samantha Ricketts, Mississippi State Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Bulldogs will host the Annual Snowman Memorial this weekend, welcoming in Murray State, Rutgers, and North Texas. They'll play each of those teams once over the 3-day event.

The takeaway

Mississippi State's strong start to the 2026 season continued with a convincing home-opening shutout win over Southern Miss. The Bulldogs' deep pitching staff and timely hitting have them looking like a team poised to build on last year's success and make a run at the postseason.