In a thrilling upset, the No. 18 Mississippi State softball team defeated the No. 1 Texas Longhorns in the opening game of a doubleheader. Paige Ernstes was the hero with a walk-off double in Game 1, while Morgan Stiles and Lexi Sosa hit solo home runs. Although the Bulldogs led 3-1 in Game 2, Texas mounted a six-run rally in the seventh inning for a 7-3 victory.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts praised her team’s fighting spirit and grit, emphasizing their competitiveness and refusal to quit. Raelin Chaffin and Delainey Everett pitched strong games for Mississippi State and Morgan Stiles showcased her batting prowess with solid at-bats.
The Bulldogs’ win marked their third victory over a No. 1-ranked team in program history. Samantha Ricketts now boasts 42 victories over NFCA-ranked teams, nearing the MSU record. Young players like Morgan Stiles and Paige Ernstes made significant contributions, highlighting the talent and depth of the team’s roster.
In the series finale on Sunday, both teams will honor the late Alex Wilcox, who played for Mississippi State while battling ovarian cancer. The Bulldogs will wear teal in her honor as part of the SEC’s All For Alex weekend. Follow the Bulldog softball program on social media for more updates and information.
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