Mississippi State Upsets No. 2 Oklahoma in Super Regional Opener
Norman, Oklahoma — No. 20 Mississippi State defeated No. 2 Oklahoma 11-9 Friday in the opening game of the NCAA softball Super Regional, moving the Bulldogs one win away from the Women’s College World Series.
The Bulldogs scored in every inning and totaled a season-high 15 hits. It was their most runs against a Power Five opponent all season and marked the most runs Oklahoma (51-9) has allowed this year.
Mississippi State (42-18) also snapped Oklahoma’s 32-game NCAA Tournament home winning streak at Love’s Field. ESPN insights noted the Sooners were 77-0 when leading by at least four runs in regional and super regional play before Friday’s game.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her team’s effort. “I’m just really proud of this team, the fight, the grit they showed, and just knowing that this is what we’ve really worked hard for,” she said. “They really, truly believed that we would come out here and compete. Our schedule this season had really prepared us for this weekend.”
Mississippi State took an early lead with a run on an infield single by Tatum Silva in the third inning. Oklahoma responded with three home runs in the bottom of that inning to take a 5-1 lead. The Bulldogs chipped away, with a solo homer from Des Rivera in the fourth and nine total runs over the final three innings to rally back, including a four-run sixth inning that tied the game.
In the seventh, Mississippi State scored five runs, highlighted by a pinch-hit double from Abby Grace Richardson and key RBIs from Silva and Morgan Bernardini, to secure the victory. Silva’s two RBIs led the team in the NCAA Tournament with five overall this postseason.
Despite Oklahoma’s offensive surge, Mississippi State’s pitchers kept fighting. Delainey Everett and Leila Ammon combined for the win, with Everett earning her 2-1 record. Ricketts credited her pitchers’ effort, noting the offense’s support in the comeback effort.
The Bulldogs will attempt to clinch their first WCWS appearance Saturday at noon CT in Game 2, which will be broadcast on ESPN. Mississippi State’s success was fueled by offensive contributions from players like Nadia Barbary, who now has 41 RBIs, and Des Rivera, who hit her first NCAA Tournament home run in the game.
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells hit two home runs and drove in six RBIs but couldn’t prevent the defeat. Mississippi State’s next game will determine their spot in the prestigious tournament, with the Bulldogs seeking their first trip to the WCWS.
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