Mississippi State Volleyball Prepares for Ole Miss and Texas A&M Showdowns

Starkville MS, October 11, 2025

News Summary

Mississippi State volleyball is gearing up for a competitive weekend with matches against in-state rival Ole Miss and No. 9 Texas A&M. With a solid record of 12-2, the Bulldogs are determined to turn the tide in their heated rivalry against Ole Miss, who currently leads the series. Fans can look forward to witnessing key players like Lindsey Mangelson and Cayley Hanson in action, as they also participate in a Pink Out event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The excitement continues as they aim for a strong performance against the Aggies on Sunday.

Exciting Volleyball Matchup: Mississippi State Gears Up for Ole Miss and Texas A&M Showdowns

Starkville is buzzing with excitement as Mississippi State volleyball prepares for a thrilling weekend! The Bulldogs are set to clash with in-state rival Ole Miss this Friday night at the Newell-Grissom Building, and fans can hardly wait to cheer them on.

What’s at Stake: Records and Rivalries

The Bulldogs bring a solid record of 12-2 into this critical weekend and are currently 2-2 in SEC play. They aim to improve their standing and, of course, make their fans proud as they take on the Ole Miss Rebels, who come into the match with a record of 9-6 and 1-3 in SEC play.

This matchup is particularly significant as it marks the 108th meeting between these two teams. Mississippi State fans might be looking to turn the tide in this heated rivalry, where Ole Miss currently holds the upper hand with a record of 76-31 against the Bulldogs. The last encounter was a tough five-set battle, with Ole Miss coming out on top.

Key Players to Watch

The Bulldogs have some impressive talent on their roster. Freshman outside hitter Lindsey Mangelson has been sensational, leading all Division I newcomers in kills per set and points per set. Meanwhile, setter Cayley Hanson ranks 4th nationally in assists per set and 2nd in the SEC, showcasing just how crucial her role is to the team’s success.

Three Bulldogs are making headlines by being among the SEC’s top six in ten different statistical categories. Not too shabby! On top of that, Mississippi State’s hitting percentage has secured them a spot inside the national top 20, an impressive feat that adds to the excitement of this weekend’s matches.

A Special Awareness Game

As fans gear up for the match against Ole Miss, they will also be participating in a Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The game will kick off at 6 p.m. CT this Friday, broadcasted on the SEC Network. Those planning to attend can show their support for an important cause while enjoying an intense rivalry game.

Looking Ahead: Sunday’s Match Against No. 9 Texas A&M

The action doesn’t stop on Friday! Following the match against Ole Miss, the Bulldogs will face No. 9 Texas A&M on Sunday afternoon. The match is set to start at 2 p.m. CT and will also be broadcasted on SEC Network+. This is another tough matchup as Texas A&M arrives with a strong record of 12-3 and 4-1 in SEC play.

More On the Aggies

Texas A&M has their own star players, with Logan Lednicky leading the team with 193 kills this season. Additionally, Ifenna Cos-Okpalla has made a significant impact at the net with 85 blocks and multiple SEC weekly honors. Despite the Aggies leading the all-time series 14-7, Mississippi State can draw confidence from their last meeting, in which they swept Texas A&M 3-0 in 2024.

Milestones and More

Adding even more excitement to the weekend, Head Coach Julie Darty Dennis is on the verge of her milestone 100th career win at Mississippi State. A victory this weekend would mark not only a critical win for the team but also a special milestone for their coach!

Overall, this weekend promises to be filled with thrilling volleyball action, showcasing some of the best talent and rivalries in the SEC. So grab your gear—it’s time to support the Bulldogs!

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Additional Resources

• Ole Miss Sports: Volleyball Drops Wild Match at Mississippi State
• Hail State: Volleyball State Topples Ole Miss in Four Sets
• Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Rebels Volleyball Travels to Face Mississippi State Bulldogs
• Wikipedia: Volleyball
• Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.