Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
State Soccer Set to Host Providence in First-Round NCAA Tournament Action
November 10, 2023 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Saturday will mark a new chapter in the pages of the Mississippi State soccer record books as the 2023 postseason will get underway when the No. 6 seeded Bulldogs host Providence College for the First Round of the NCAA Tournament in Starkville at 1 PM.
For the second consecutive year, State will play host to postseason action, and Head Coach James Armstrong couldn't be more thrilled. "We feel really good," Armstrong expressed. "We obviously have a really good opponent that we're going to play, but we get to play another game on our home field in front of our fans—you can't ask for any more than that."
The Bulldogs have earned every inch of their success this season, marked by tenacious play that propelled them to historic heights, including a first-time semifinal appearance in the Southeastern Conference Tournament after a heart-stopping advancement by penalty kicks versus Alabama.
In his fifth year at the helm, Armstrong has steered the program to back-to-back seasons with 10 wins or more for the first time since 1996 and 1997. Their success is further underscored by the program's highest-ever ranking in the United Soccer Coaches poll, standing tall at No. 18 before their first-round NCAA Tournament match.
As the Bulldogs embark on another opportunity to etch their names in the annals of history, Armstrong reflects on the team's shared belief and hard work. "Last year was a very important milestone for the program, and as long as there's belief in the room and hard work by everyone associated with the program, then special things can happen."
This Saturday, the extraordinary blend of talented veterans and newcomers, who have poured blood, sweat, and tears into the MSU program, will showcase their dedication on the pitch. Armstrong acknowledges the team's unwavering commitment, saying, "We all get to work with an unbelievable group of young ladies. We're just thankful that we're around such awesome people that come in and work hard every day."
Since taking the reins in 2019, Armstrong's vision for success has not only materialized on the field but also in the stands. The MSU fanbase has shattered attendance records, creating an undeniable home-field advantage, especially with the energetic State fans and their iconic cowbells."It's been a big thing for us to try and grow the fan base and the community involvement and excitement," Armstrong emphasized. "It's a difficult place to play, and it makes a big difference."
Scouting Providence
The upcoming match marks the inaugural encounter between Providence College and Mississippi State in women's soccer.
Friars' Journey in the BIG EAST Tournament
The Friars advanced to the BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinals by defeating St. John's 3-0, but faced a setback in the semifinals, losing 2-0 to Xavier.
Key Players to Keep an Eye On
Senior Meg Hughes from Rochester, Mass., leads the Friars into the NCAA Tournament with 16 points from eight goals. Hughes ranks in the top-10 in six different statistical categories in the BIG EAST, including fourth in goals (eight) and goals per game (0.44), and sixth in points (16) and points per game (0.89). She also secures the fourth spot in shots (51) and shots per game (2.83).
Contributions from Kyla Gallagher (Farmington, Conn.) and Gillian Kenney (Hanover, Mass.) add depth to the Friars' offense, with each recording 13 points. Gallagher boasts four goals and five assists, while Kenney has notched six goals and one assist. Freshman Kayla Briggs (Toronto, Canada) has also made an impact with nine points from two goals and five assists.
Goalkeeping Prowess: Bodmer and McElroy
Senior Emma Bodmer (Monroe Township, N.J.) and graduate student Katherine McElroy (Brookline, Mass.) hold the first and fifth positions in save percentages in the BIG EAST. Bodmer boasts a save percentage of (.905), while McElroy follows closely with (.837). The duo has shared time in goal this season, with Bodmer playing 855 minutes and achieving a 7-1-2 record, and McElroy playing 810 minutes with a 3-3-3 mark.
Defensive Excellence: Clean Sheets
Bodmer and McElroy have combined for eight shutout victories this season, ranking Providence fourth among BIG EAST teams in shutouts. Notably, three of these shutouts occurred during BIG EAST Conference play.
Dominating the Field: Outshooting Opponents
Providence has outshot its opponents 278-83 this season. In 12 out of 18 games, the Friars recorded more shots than their opponents.
Nail-Biting Encounters: One-Goal Games
A significant portion of the Friars' season, with 12 out of 18 matches, has been decided by one goal or less, resulting in five draws. In the last nine games, eight have been decided by one goal or less, with Providence's latest one-goal victory being a 1-0 triumph over Villanova on October 26.
Bulldog fans, get ready for a soccer spectacle as Mississippi State Soccer kicks off its NCAA Tournament journey on familiar turf, fueled by the roar of the fans and the echoes of cowbells on Saturday at 1 PM. Fans unable to attend are encouraged to tune in via ESPN +.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on X, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."
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For the second consecutive year, State will play host to postseason action, and Head Coach James Armstrong couldn't be more thrilled. "We feel really good," Armstrong expressed. "We obviously have a really good opponent that we're going to play, but we get to play another game on our home field in front of our fans—you can't ask for any more than that."
The Bulldogs have earned every inch of their success this season, marked by tenacious play that propelled them to historic heights, including a first-time semifinal appearance in the Southeastern Conference Tournament after a heart-stopping advancement by penalty kicks versus Alabama.
In his fifth year at the helm, Armstrong has steered the program to back-to-back seasons with 10 wins or more for the first time since 1996 and 1997. Their success is further underscored by the program's highest-ever ranking in the United Soccer Coaches poll, standing tall at No. 18 before their first-round NCAA Tournament match.
As the Bulldogs embark on another opportunity to etch their names in the annals of history, Armstrong reflects on the team's shared belief and hard work. "Last year was a very important milestone for the program, and as long as there's belief in the room and hard work by everyone associated with the program, then special things can happen."
This Saturday, the extraordinary blend of talented veterans and newcomers, who have poured blood, sweat, and tears into the MSU program, will showcase their dedication on the pitch. Armstrong acknowledges the team's unwavering commitment, saying, "We all get to work with an unbelievable group of young ladies. We're just thankful that we're around such awesome people that come in and work hard every day."
Since taking the reins in 2019, Armstrong's vision for success has not only materialized on the field but also in the stands. The MSU fanbase has shattered attendance records, creating an undeniable home-field advantage, especially with the energetic State fans and their iconic cowbells."It's been a big thing for us to try and grow the fan base and the community involvement and excitement," Armstrong emphasized. "It's a difficult place to play, and it makes a big difference."
Scouting Providence
The upcoming match marks the inaugural encounter between Providence College and Mississippi State in women's soccer.
Friars' Journey in the BIG EAST Tournament
The Friars advanced to the BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinals by defeating St. John's 3-0, but faced a setback in the semifinals, losing 2-0 to Xavier.
Key Players to Keep an Eye On
Senior Meg Hughes from Rochester, Mass., leads the Friars into the NCAA Tournament with 16 points from eight goals. Hughes ranks in the top-10 in six different statistical categories in the BIG EAST, including fourth in goals (eight) and goals per game (0.44), and sixth in points (16) and points per game (0.89). She also secures the fourth spot in shots (51) and shots per game (2.83).
Contributions from Kyla Gallagher (Farmington, Conn.) and Gillian Kenney (Hanover, Mass.) add depth to the Friars' offense, with each recording 13 points. Gallagher boasts four goals and five assists, while Kenney has notched six goals and one assist. Freshman Kayla Briggs (Toronto, Canada) has also made an impact with nine points from two goals and five assists.
Goalkeeping Prowess: Bodmer and McElroy
Senior Emma Bodmer (Monroe Township, N.J.) and graduate student Katherine McElroy (Brookline, Mass.) hold the first and fifth positions in save percentages in the BIG EAST. Bodmer boasts a save percentage of (.905), while McElroy follows closely with (.837). The duo has shared time in goal this season, with Bodmer playing 855 minutes and achieving a 7-1-2 record, and McElroy playing 810 minutes with a 3-3-3 mark.
Defensive Excellence: Clean Sheets
Bodmer and McElroy have combined for eight shutout victories this season, ranking Providence fourth among BIG EAST teams in shutouts. Notably, three of these shutouts occurred during BIG EAST Conference play.
Dominating the Field: Outshooting Opponents
Providence has outshot its opponents 278-83 this season. In 12 out of 18 games, the Friars recorded more shots than their opponents.
Nail-Biting Encounters: One-Goal Games
A significant portion of the Friars' season, with 12 out of 18 matches, has been decided by one goal or less, resulting in five draws. In the last nine games, eight have been decided by one goal or less, with Providence's latest one-goal victory being a 1-0 triumph over Villanova on October 26.
Bulldog fans, get ready for a soccer spectacle as Mississippi State Soccer kicks off its NCAA Tournament journey on familiar turf, fueled by the roar of the fans and the echoes of cowbells on Saturday at 1 PM. Fans unable to attend are encouraged to tune in via ESPN +.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on X, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."
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– HailState.com –
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