McWhirter Magic
September 17, 2023 | Soccer
Haley McWhirter’s heroic moment has the Bulldogs off and running in SEC play.
STARKVILLE – As the clock wound down in Mississippi State's Southeastern Conference opener against Auburn on Friday, the Bulldogs needed someone to deliver. With her first goal of the season, Haley McWhirter did just that.
Off a beautiful assist from Aitana Martinez-Montoya, McWhirter came up clutch for the Bulldogs in the 88th minute to help State secure the 1-0 victory over the Tigers.
"I saw the ball go forward and I knew Aitana [Martinez-Montoya] was going to cross that ball to me because that's what she does," McWhirter said. "I knew I had to be [in position] and I was there."
As the talented junior from Magnolia, Texas walloped the ball into the net, the Bulldog faithful in the stands and the West End of the MSU Soccer Field erupted. The stacked slate of athletic events that were still slated to come over the weekend in Starkville did not hinder MSU fans from displaying their undeniable support for the program.
"It's amazing to have a crowd [and] it really makes a difference," McWhirter said. "We wouldn't be able to do what we do without our fans. Having that big of a crowd was a big difference maker."
McWhirter has compiled an impressive collegiate career so far. Before coming to State, she earned multiple honors during her time at East Carolina. In her freshman year, McWhirter became the first player in ECU history to win AAC Rookie of the Year.
Since transferring to MSU, she has contributed greatly to the success of the program. McWhirter has logged 2,356 minutes of play in the Maroon and White, including multiple 90-minute outings. She also recorded both of State's assists in the program's first NCAA Tournament win over New Mexico State last season.
Her game-winner against the Tigers was McWhirter's eighth goal as a Bulldog. Not only was it a huge moment for McWhirter, but it was also a momentum-building victory for MSU as they venture through the rest of conference play.
Like many of her teammates, McWhirter applied a tremendous amount of pressure offensively throughout the match. The Bulldogs showcased their poise and did not let the back-and-forth contest alter their desire to wrap the game in Maroon and White.
"Haley [had] an unbelievable run at the end there [and] Aitanya [had] an unbelievable run," MSU head coach James Armstrong said regarding the game-winning goal. "[The team] still had energy left in them and it is a big three points for us against a very good program. I'm really proud of the girls."
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