Starkville MS, October 25, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, the Mississippi State volleyball team is set to face two strong rivals, No. 3 Kentucky and No. 16 Tennessee, at Newell-Grissom Arena. The Bulldogs, with a record of 14-4, will be looking to leverage their talented roster featuring standout player Lindsey Mangelson. Excitement ramps up as fans anticipate these crucial SEC matchups. With the team aiming for a valuable home-court advantage, it’s a pivotal moment for their season.
Mississippi State Gearing Up for an Exciting Volleyball Weekend
Starkville is buzzing with excitement this weekend as the Mississippi State volleyball team prepares for back-to-back matches against two powerhouse opponents! With a record of 14-4 and 4-4 in the SEC, the Bulldogs are hosting No. 3 Kentucky on Friday night at 6 p.m. and then No. 16 Tennessee on Sunday at 4 p.m. The games are set to take place at Newell-Grissom Arena, and fans are in for a treat!
Young Stars Shine Bright
A key player to watch is freshman Lindsey Mangelson, who has been making quite a bit of noise on the court. She is currently leading all freshmen nationwide in three statistical categories and ranks first among SEC freshmen in two. Mangelson’s impressive play has now placed her ninth on Mississippi State’s all-time freshman record list for kills. It’s safe to say she’s a standout player that everyone will be keeping an eye on!
But it’s not just Mangelson; the depth of the team is remarkable. Five Bulldogs rank within the SEC’s top 10 in twelve different statistical categories, showcasing the incredible balance and talent on the roster. Notably, Cayley Hanson is making waves, ranking fourth nationally for assists per set and second in the SEC. On defense, McKenna Yates recently made her mark by reaching 500 career digs in just 36 matches, one of the fastest achievements in program history!
The Opposition: Kentucky and Tennessee
As for the competition, both Kentucky and Tennessee come into the weekend matchup with strong records. Kentucky boasts an impressive 14-2 record, being undefeated in the SEC at 7-0. The Wildcats lead the SEC in team attacks per set and are among the top teams in seven different statistical categories. Key players from Kentucky include Brooklyn DeLeye, leading with 263 kills, and Molly Tuozzo, who has recorded 231 digs. They also rely on the strength of Lizzie Carr, who has contributed with 67 blocks (seven solo).
Interestingly, Kentucky has a significant advantage in the all-time series against the Bulldogs, boasting 59 wins to Mississippi State’s total, and they also took home the victory in the last matchup, winning 3-0. The Bulldogs will need all the support they can get to turn this record around!
Next up, Tennessee shows up with a record of 14-3 and 5-2 in SEC play. The Volunteers lead the conference in hitting percentage and rank in the top five in five key statistical categories. They have some talent as well, as Hayden Kubik leads the team with 207 kills, Gülce Güçtekin has made 225 digs, and Chelsea Sutton brings a strong defensive presence with 71 total blocks (8 solo).
Like Kentucky, Tennessee has an edge in the all-time series against Mississippi State, holding 55 wins against the Bulldogs, including a last match victory of 3-0. This weekend’s matchups are going to be tough, but Mississippi State is ready to capitalize on their home-court advantage and unleash their balanced attack!
What’s Next?
This weekend promises to be a thrilling experience for volleyball fans in Starkville! With the Bulldogs aiming to leverage their depth and skill against such strong rivals, it could be a defining moment in their season. Mark those calendars and get ready to cheer on the Bulldogs!
FAQ
What is the current record of the Mississippi State volleyball team?
The Mississippi State volleyball team has a record of 14-4 and 4-4 SEC.
Who are the opponents for this weekend’s matches?
The Bulldogs will face No. 3 Kentucky on Friday at 6 p.m. and No. 16 Tennessee on Sunday at 4 p.m.
Where will the matches take place?
The matches will be held at Newell-Grissom Arena.
Who is a standout player for Mississippi State?
Freshman Lindsey Mangelson is a standout, leading all freshmen nationally in three statistical categories.
What is the all-time series record between Mississippi State and Kentucky?
Kentucky has a 59-win advantage in the all-time series and won the last matchup 3-0.
What is the all-time series record between Mississippi State and Tennessee?
Tennessee leads the all-time series against Mississippi State with 55 wins and won the last meeting 3-0.
Key Features of the Matches:
| Team | Record | National Rank | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State | 14-4 (4-4 SEC) | – | Lindsey Mangelson, Cayley Hanson, McKenna Yates |
| No. 3 Kentucky | 14-2 (7-0 SEC) | 3 | Brooklyn DeLeye, Molly Tuozzo, Lizzie Carr |
| No. 16 Tennessee | 14-3 (5-2 SEC) | 16 | Hayden Kubik, Gülce Güçtekin, Chelsea Sutton |
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: Mississippi State Volleyball Preview
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Volleyball
- Fox56 News: Kentucky Volleyball Victory
- Google Search: Mississippi State Volleyball
- HailState: Volleyball Preview vs Kentucky and Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Texas Longhorns: Volleyball Dominates Mississippi State
- Google News: Mississippi State Volleyball Updates
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.
