Starkville MS, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Mississippi State volleyball team opened their season impressively with a perfect record of 3-0 at the Maroon and White Invite. Under the leadership of head coach Julie Darty Dennis, the Bulldogs achieved remarkable victories against three opponents. Key players, Cayley Hanson and Lindsey Mangelson, showcased their talents, earning SEC accolades for their performances. With momentum on their side, the Bulldogs are now setting their sights on the upcoming Blue Raider Bash tournament.
Mississippi State Volleyball Kicks Off Season with a Bang!
Starkville, Mississippi – The excitement is palpable in Starkville as the Mississippi State volleyball team has emerged from the Maroon and White Invite with a stunning record of 3-0. Yes, you heard that right! Three perfect match victories consecutively have set a brilliant tone for the season, and the Bulldogs’ dedicated fans are already dreaming big.
A Stellar Weekend for the Bulldogs
The Maroon and White Invite was nothing short of a triumph for Missisipi State. The Bulldogs showcased their skills, defeating three opponents in a row with a series of 3-0 match victories. Not only did the team shine, but individual players also received well-deserved recognition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Cayley Hanson was named the SEC Setter of the Week due to her impressive performance that weekend. With a remarkable total of 109 assists over the three matches, averaging an impressive 12.11 assists per set, she has truly stepped up as a leader on the court.
But it didn’t stop there! Freshman sensation Lindsey Mangelson made a splash during her debut and was awarded the SEC Freshman of the Week. Her first weekend as a Bulldog was remarkable, with a whopping 40 kills throughout the tournament, making her an undeniable asset to the team. To top it off, she started her career with an astonishing 16 kills and an outstanding hitting percentage of .737 in her debut match against Grambling.
Coach’s Praise
Head coach Julie Darty Dennis has showered praise on both Hanson and Mangelson, emphasizing how their contributions have been integral to the Bulldogs’ early success. In addition to her assists, Hanson tallied 16 digs, seven kills, four aces, and five blocks over the weekend, displaying her versatility on the court. Remarkably, she also holds the records for the second, third, and fifth highest number of assists in a three-set match within the SEC. What an achievement!
Highlights from the Matches
Among the opponents faced by Mississippi State, North Alabama made quite the impression as well, ending the weekend with a 2-1 record. In their match against Mississippi State, though competitive, the Bulldogs took the upper hand, clinching the victory with set scores of 25-23, 25-12, and 25-16.
Next Stop: The Blue Raider Bash
As the Bulldogs revel in their well-earned success, they have their sights set on the upcoming tournament— the Blue Raider Bash in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They will hit the court for their first match of the weekend, scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Fans are eager to see if the Bulldogs can continue their winning streak as they embark on this next chapter of their season.
Wrapping Up
Currently, the Mississippi State volleyball team stands with a perfect 3-0 overall record and is gearing up for SEC conference competition. With strong performances from players like Hanson and Mangelson, supporters are buzzing with anticipation for what’s ahead for this promising team.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Mississippi State volleyball’s current record?
The Mississippi State volleyball team currently holds a record of 3-0.
2. Who was named SEC Setter of the Week?
Cayley Hanson received the SEC Setter of the Week recognition for her performance during the Maroon and White Invite.
3. What awards did the players receive?
Cayley Hanson was named SEC Setter of the Week, and Lindsey Mangelson received the SEC Freshman of the Week award.
4. When is Mississippi State’s next match?
The Bulldogs will compete next at the Blue Raider Bash in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with their first match scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: Bulldogs Sweep Maroon and White Invite
- SI: Bulldog Roundup – Mississippi State Volleyball Opens 2025 with Win
- Samford Sports: Volleyball to Open Season by Hosting Georgia and Troy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Volleyball
- Google News: Mississippi State Volleyball
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.


