Starkville MS, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Starkville buzzes with excitement as Mississippi State’s women’s soccer team prepares to face the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. The match, crucial for SEC standings, kicks off at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPNU. With Mississippi State securing a 10-0 record in SEC play and Tennessee boasting an impressive offense, fans can expect an intense showdown. Key players from both teams will be under pressure to deliver in this thrilling battle for supremacy in women’s college soccer.
Excitement is in the Air in Starkville, Mississippi!
This Friday evening, the city of Starkville is buzzing with anticipation as Mississippi State’s women’s soccer team prepares to host the formidable No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers. Set to kick off at 6 p.m., this match is not just another game; it’s a crucial SEC showdown that fans have been eagerly awaiting. It will also be aired live on ESPNU for those who can’t make it to the field.
A Journey of Resilience
Last fall was a bit of a rollercoaster for Mississippi State, with struggles in both football and basketball. However, the MSU Soccer Field was shining bright amidst the challenges. The Bulldogs kicked off the season strong, only losing a single non-conference game to Wake Forest, and they began their SEC play ranked a respectable No. 24.
The journey took an exciting turn when the Bulldogs opened their SEC campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Oklahoma. The momentum didn’t stop there, as they also pulled off an impressive 1-0 win against then-No. 11 Texas, which propelled them up to No. 9 in the rankings. After a stunning 2-0 win against LSU, the Bulldogs catapulted up the charts to reach the No. 7 spot nationally. And they didn’t just stop there—they achieved an incredible perfect 10-0 record in SEC games, ultimately finishing the regular season ranked No. 2 in the country.
Setting the Stage for a Clash
Now, with the season well underway, Mississippi State’s women’s soccer team finds itself facing a significant challenge as they prepare to host Tennessee. The Bulldogs are coming off another strong performance, recently taking down then-No. 10 Wake Forest 2-1 and maintaining their only one loss in the non-conference schedule.
The Volunteers, currently leading in the national rankings, are well-known for their powerful offense, averaging an impressive 2.71 goals per game and firing off around 7.29 shots on goal each match. Mississippi State’s new goalkeeper, Sarah Womack, will truly be put to the test as she guards the net against Tennessee’s relentless attack. Having transferred from Appalachian State, Womack is ready to step up to fill the shoes left by standout Maddy Anderson.
Defensive Struggles Ahead
Adding to the blend of excitement and apprehension, Tennessee’s goalkeeper, Cayden Norris, stands out as one of the nation’s best, having yet to concede a goal in six games while making 18 saves. The Volunteers are on a streak of keeping the opposition scoreless, boasting seven consecutive clean sheets, even managing to halt the reigning national champions, North Carolina.
Ally Perry from Mississippi State underscores the importance of recognizing Tennessee’s sound defensive organization, which poses a challenge for the Bulldogs as they strategize for the game. Fans can expect a fierce competition, especially given that Mississippi State is looking to overcome its second consecutive top-ranked opponent—a feat that would further cement its place in SEC lore.
The Buzz in Starkville
With the stakes high and the energy palpable, Friday’s matchup promises to be not just a game, but a thrilling battle of skill, strategy, and heart. Laws of sports dictate that anything can happen on the field, and with a full house expected at the stadium, Mississippi State is confi-dent they can rally their home crowd to support the team and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
FAQs About the Match
When is the match between Mississippi State and Tennessee scheduled?
The match is scheduled to take place on Friday at 6 p.m.
Where can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.
What has been Mississippi State’s record so far this season?
Mississippi State has an impressive record, having only lost one non-conference game.
What are Tennessee’s strengths heading into the match?
Tennessee is known for its powerful offense, averaging 2.71 goals per game, along with a strong defensive lineup that has not allowed a single goal in six games.
Key Matchup Features
| Feature | Mississippi State | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Current National Rank | No. 2 | No. 1 |
| Goals Per Game Average | 2.10 | 2.71 |
| Shots on Goal Average | 4.90 | 7.29 |
| Current Clean Sheets | 2 | 7 |
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Additional Resources
- Starkville Daily News
- Sports Illustrated
- Louisiana Tech Sports
- Wake Forest Athletics
- Mississippi State Athletics
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Women’s Soccer
- Google Search: Mississippi State Soccer
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Soccer
- Google News: Mississippi State 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.
