Starkville, MS, September 16, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling SEC matchup, Mississippi State defeated the top-ranked Tennessee 3-2, showcasing a competitive season in women’s college soccer. Ally Perry was the star, scoring two goals, including the decisive goal in the 89th minute. Despite a strong performance from Tennessee’s Anaiyah Robinson, who scored twice, the Bulldogs secured their second consecutive win against a ranked opponent, highlighting the growing parity in the sport.
Starkville, MS – In a stunning upset, Mississippi State defeated No. 1 ranked Tennessee 3-2 in a thrilling SEC matchup held on September 12, 2025. The victory marked Mississippi State’s second consecutive win against a top-ranked opponent and underscored the increasing parity in women’s college soccer this season.
Ally Perry emerged as the star of the match, scoring the game-winning goal in the 89th minute, after already contributing another goal earlier in the game. This match marked the third time this season that the top-ranked team in women’s college soccer has been defeated, illustrating a shift in competitiveness within the sport.
The match opened with an early goal from Mississippi State’s Zoe Main, who scored at 10:04, assisted by teammates Adia Symmonds and Ally Perry. Following this, the game saw a dominant response from Tennessee, as their player Anaiyah Robinson found the net twice. Robinson’s first goal came at 52:48, with assistance from Jenna Stayart, and her second followed shortly thereafter at 54:42, aided by Keaton Mitchell and Luciana Latino.
Mississippi State wasn’t to be outdone, however. Perry scored again at 73:43, further tightening Mississippi State’s grip on the match with help from Adia Symmonds. The game ultimately concluded with Perry’s decisive goal in the dying minutes.
For Tennessee, this was a disappointing conclusion to what had been a strong start to their season, where they had achieved seven consecutive shutout victories. With this loss, Tennessee ended their undefeated streak while holding the top position in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, marking their first defeat as the No. 1 team.
This season has shown extreme volatility at the top of the rankings, with only Duke remaining undefeated in the current poll. So far, four different teams have claimed the No. 1 spot in women’s college soccer, each experiencing their share of victories and defeats. The increased competition makes for an exciting season ahead as teams strive to establish dominance.
Mississippi State’s Performance Highlights
- Ally Perry scored two goals, including the game-winner in the final minute.
- Zoe Main opened the scoring for the Bulldogs.
- Adia Symmonds provided crucial assists for Mississippi State.
Tennessee’s Key Moments
- Anaiyah Robinson scored two goals, helping Tennessee briefly take the lead.
- The loss ended Tennessee’s unbeaten run as the top-ranked team.
Context on Parity in Women’s College Soccer
The defeat of top-ranked teams throughout the season has highlighted a trend of increased competition among collegiate women’s soccer teams. The ability for lower-ranked teams to challenge and beat higher-ranked opponents indicates that the gap in skill and performance is narrowing. This has made for a dynamic and unpredictable season, keeping fans and analysts on their toes regarding which team might claim the national title.
FAQ
What was the outcome of the Mississippi State vs. Tennessee match?
Mississippi State defeated No. 1 ranked Tennessee 3-2, marking their second consecutive victory against a top-ranked opponent.
Who scored the game-winning goal?
Ally Perry scored the game-winning goal for Mississippi State in the 89th minute of the match.
How many goals did Ally Perry score in the match?
Ally Perry scored two goals during the match.
What was Tennessee’s performance leading up to this loss?
Tennessee had started the season strong with seven consecutive shutout victories before suffering this defeat.
How does this loss impact the rankings?
This loss ended Tennessee’s unbeaten run and impacted their standing in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, showcasing increased competition in women’s college soccer.
Match Highlights Chart
| Team | Goals Scored | Top Scorer | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State | 3 | Ally Perry (2 goals) | Adia Symmonds (2 assists) |
| Tennessee | 2 | Anaiyah Robinson (2 goals) | Jenna Stayart, Keaton Mitchell, Luciana Latino (1 assist each) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mississippi State Secures Narrow Victory Over Tennessee
Community Mourns Loss of Respected Attorney Bill Reeves
Mississippi State Volleyball Team Achieves Historic 9-0 Start
Starkville Hosts SEC Clash: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State
Starkville Prepares for SEC Showdown: Mississippi State vs. Tennessee
Mississippi State Football Set to Face Tennessee in SEC Opener
Mississippi State Achieves 63-0 Victory over Alcorn State
Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Alcorn State in Shutout Victory
Mississippi State Bulldogs Dominate Alcorn State in Shutout Victory
Starkville Community Mourns Loss of Bill Reeves
Additional Resources
- Hail State: Bulldogs Knock Off No. 1 Tennessee
- NCAA: Mississippi State Upsets Tennessee
- UT Sports: Tennessee Drops Road Match at Mississippi State
- Sports Illustrated: Five Thoughts on Mississippi State’s Upset
- Wikipedia: Women’s College Soccer
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.
