STARKVILLE — Mississippi State’s softball team split its opening two games at the Bulldog Invitational on Friday. The No. 14 Bulldogs fell 1-0 to Belmont in a pitchers’ duel before bouncing back with a 6-2 win over Samford, according to the team.
In the game against Belmont, State was limited to one hit by All-American Maya Johnson, who struck out 13 batters. The only run scored was unearned in the sixth inning after a Bulldogs error. MSU’s Alyssa Faircloth pitched a complete game, striking out nine and allowing four hits, but the Bulldogs couldn’t generate enough offense.
Later, MSU responded against Samford, tallying four doubles and scoring six runs in a 6-2 victory. Nadia Barbary went 4-for-4 with an RBI, and Kiarra Sells drove in four runs. Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her team’s resilience after falling behind early.
“That’s the beauty of our game. We play so many, and we had a chance to get right back out there and answer back,” Ricketts said. “I liked the response from the team overall in the first inning and in the game in general. I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond tomorrow with another chance to play Belmont.”
Faircloth also pitched in relief earlier in the day, striking out two in a scoreless inning. Her performance helped maintain momentum after the loss to Belmont. Several players contributed offensively, with Barbary posting her fourth multi-hit game of the season and her 40th career.
The Bulldogs are scheduled to face Belmont again Saturday at 12:30 p.m. CT, followed by a game against Delaware State at 3 p.m. Both contests will be streamed on SEC Network+.
