Mobile, Ala. — Alyssa Faircloth struck out 14 batters, matching her career high, as No. 12 Mississippi State edged South Alabama 3-1 Friday afternoon at the Jaguar Classic. The win lifts the Bulldogs to 21-2 on the season, according to team statistics.
Faircloth, who entered the game with just one double-digit strikeout performance in her career, pitched her fourth of the season. She allowed three hits and turned in her fourth complete game of the year, according to team records. Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her and fellow starter Peja Goold for their strong performances.
Mississippi State scored twice in the first inning, with Kiarra Sells doubling in one run and Des Rivera adding a sacrifice fly. South Alabama responded with a leadoff homer in the second, their only hit until the sixth inning. The Bulldogs added an insurance run in the third, as Morgan Bernardini singled home Kinley Keller.
During the game, Sells extended her hitting streak to 11 games, batting .613 during that span. Keller, Stiles, and Sells each had multi-hit games, and Stiles has reached base in 16 of 23 games this year.
Faircloth credited her teammates’ support and her own preparation for her performance. Goold also praised Faircloth’s resilience after her earlier game, noting she was able to finish despite feeling off early in the game. Ricketts highlighted Sells’ consistent hitting and her growth as a player, emphasizing her ability to be a tough out at the plate.
Mississippi State will continue play at the Jaguar Classic on Saturday, facing New Mexico at 10 a.m. CT and Samford at 12:30 p.m. The team seeks its third meeting of the season with New Mexico, according to the schedule.
