Members of the Bulldogs' senior class celebrated the program's first NCAA Tournament berth on Monday.
Soccer to Host Lipscomb in First-Ever NCAA Tournament Appearance
November 05, 2018 | Soccer
by Brian Ogden, Assistant Coordinator/Communications
STARKVILLE – For the first time in program history, Mississippi State's soccer team will play in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs earned an at-large bid in this year's tournament field, announced on Monday.
State will host ASUN Conference champions Lipscomb on Friday at 4 p.m. CT. The Bulldogs and Bison have met three times in program history with MSU holding a 2-1-0 edge in the all-time series.
MSU reached its highest ranking in the NCAA's RPI in program history this year when the team debuted at No. 2. The Bulldogs played the toughest schedule in the nation in 2018, going 9-6-2 in the regular season.
"We were pretty confident, but as the day goes on and halfway through the bracket you don't hear or see your name, it gets a little nerve-wracking," head coach Tom Anagnost said. "My heart was pounding. They put the work in, they believe in themselves and we have great leadership and good people. When you have those things, good things happen."
The Bulldogs claimed two signature wins over RPI Top 20 teams this year. In August, State traveled to Memphis and handed the Tigers a 5-2 loss. MSU then claimed a 2-1 victory over South Carolina, a Final Four team last year, in the second match of conference play.
"Just waiting to hear our name is kind of nerve-wracking," senior midfielder Carly Mauldin said. "You saw everybody just sitting there jittery and waiting for our name to be announced. Coming into it, I think it was more of we know we are in it, but who are we going to play and where are we going to play."
MSU's tournament bid caps a historic season that saw State tie the longest winning streak in school history and go a perfect 7-0-0 in non-conference play to open the year.
With help from one of the best defenses in school history, redshirt senior Rhylee DeCrane broke the school's single-season shutout record (8). State allowed 16 goals (0.92 goals against average), and the defense held opponents to just 11.6 shots per game, which is the lowest mark in program history for both categories.
"It's a really good feeling because so much hard work has been put in to this team for the past four years," senior defender Courtney Robicheaux said. "Now, history has been made, and it has paid off. It's a huge pat on the back. I'm just thankful for everyone on this team and the staff, everyone who has helped make this dream a possibility."
Tickets for Friday's match will be available at the gate. All seating is general admission with adult tickets selling for $8 and children ages 12 and under priced at $3. MSU students with their student ID card get in for $5.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSOC." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
STARKVILLE – For the first time in program history, Mississippi State's soccer team will play in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs earned an at-large bid in this year's tournament field, announced on Monday.
State will host ASUN Conference champions Lipscomb on Friday at 4 p.m. CT. The Bulldogs and Bison have met three times in program history with MSU holding a 2-1-0 edge in the all-time series.
MSU reached its highest ranking in the NCAA's RPI in program history this year when the team debuted at No. 2. The Bulldogs played the toughest schedule in the nation in 2018, going 9-6-2 in the regular season.
"We were pretty confident, but as the day goes on and halfway through the bracket you don't hear or see your name, it gets a little nerve-wracking," head coach Tom Anagnost said. "My heart was pounding. They put the work in, they believe in themselves and we have great leadership and good people. When you have those things, good things happen."
The Bulldogs claimed two signature wins over RPI Top 20 teams this year. In August, State traveled to Memphis and handed the Tigers a 5-2 loss. MSU then claimed a 2-1 victory over South Carolina, a Final Four team last year, in the second match of conference play.
"Just waiting to hear our name is kind of nerve-wracking," senior midfielder Carly Mauldin said. "You saw everybody just sitting there jittery and waiting for our name to be announced. Coming into it, I think it was more of we know we are in it, but who are we going to play and where are we going to play."
MSU's tournament bid caps a historic season that saw State tie the longest winning streak in school history and go a perfect 7-0-0 in non-conference play to open the year.
With help from one of the best defenses in school history, redshirt senior Rhylee DeCrane broke the school's single-season shutout record (8). State allowed 16 goals (0.92 goals against average), and the defense held opponents to just 11.6 shots per game, which is the lowest mark in program history for both categories.
"It's a really good feeling because so much hard work has been put in to this team for the past four years," senior defender Courtney Robicheaux said. "Now, history has been made, and it has paid off. It's a huge pat on the back. I'm just thankful for everyone on this team and the staff, everyone who has helped make this dream a possibility."
Tickets for Friday's match will be available at the gate. All seating is general admission with adult tickets selling for $8 and children ages 12 and under priced at $3. MSU students with their student ID card get in for $5.
For more information on the Bulldog soccer program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateSOC." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
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