February 17, 2024
PUERTO VALLARTA, MX – It’s not often a team can say they defeated four-straight ranked opponents in college softball, including two in the same day. That’s now the case for Mississippi State (8-0) after their 10-2 win over No. 13 Utah and No. 8 Clemson at the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge on Saturday.
Utah shortstop Karlie Davidson put her squad ahead 1-0 early, with an RBI single in the first off Bulldogs starter Josey Marron. Both Marron and the Bulldog defense, despite early errors, would return to form.
Designated Player Jessie Blaine launched a three-run shot over the fence in left, giving Mississippi State a 3-1 advantage in the top of the third inning, one they would not relinquish.
In the fifth inning, Mississippi State extended the lead with a four-run effort headlined by an RBI double off the bat of Salen Hawkins that scored two. Matalasi Faapito and Aquana Brownlee chipped in with RBI singles shortly after, helping the Bulldogs to a 7-1 lead.
Ute second baseman Aliya Belarde cut into the lead in the bottom half of the fifth with a solo home run to right, but Hawkins struck again in the sixth with her second RBI double in as many innings, securing a 10-2 victory in six.
Utah (4-4), dropped their third straight in Mexico, previously falling to No. 20 South Carolina and No. 25 Auburn on the opening day of Session #2 on Thursday.
Both squads complete their trip on Sunday morning to close out an incredible two weeks of softball at the event, which featured multiple Top 25 teams. The Bulldogs will face UC Davis at 8:30 a.m. CT followed by the Utes playing the final game of the event against UC San Diego at 11 a.m. CT. Both games will be broadcast on FloSoftball.