Mississippi State pitcher Alyssa Faircloth throws first NCAA Tournament no-hitter in school history

EUGENE, Ore. — Mississippi State’s Alyssa Faircloth pitched her first career no-hitter Saturday, leading the Bulldogs to a 4-0 victory over No. 12 Oregon in the NCAA Tournament regional. It was the first no-hitter in school history in the postseason, and only the seventh in NCAA Tournament history since 1999, according to ESPN.

Faircloth allowed just one baserunner — a walk in the first inning — and struck out eight batters. Her performance helped the Bulldogs (40-18) reach the regional final for the first time since 2000, and it marked their third 40-win season overall, the highest under head coach Samantha Ricketts.

Mississippi State opened the scoring with a two-run homer from Gretta Grassel in the first inning. Xiane Romero doubled home a run in the third, and Paige Ernstes added an RBI single in the fourth. The Bulldogs collected four extra-base hits, their most in a game since April 5.

After the game, Faircloth credited her defense and team effort for the achievement. “I knew Kinley Keller had it. If it was in the yard, she was going to get it,” she said. Grassel, meanwhile, reflected on her home run, her first postseason hit. “I knew I was ready,” she said.

With the win, Mississippi State improved to 2-0 in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since their debut in 2000. The Bulldogs now advance to face the winner of the game between Saint Mary’s and Idaho State on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. CT. Oregon will play the loser of that game in an elimination contest.

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