Mississippi State
Tennessee
Top-Seeded Mississippi State Set For SEC Tournament Quarterfinal Battle With Tennessee
November 04, 2024 | Soccer
PENSACOLA, Fla. - As the top seed in the SEC Tournament, Mississippi State's historic 2024 season now advances to a new chapter as they prepare to face No. 9 seed Tennessee in the SEC Tournament quarterfinal round on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. CT. Ashton Brosnaham Park will set the stage under the Pensacola sky as State will aim to reach the SEC Tournament semifinals for the second consecutive season.Â
Guided by sixth-year Head Coach James Armstrong, State (16-1-0, 10-0-0 SEC) has reached unprecedented heights, finishing the season ranked No. 2 nationally in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and claiming the conference title with a perfect 10-0 record. Armstrong, recently named SEC Coach of the Year, has orchestrated a transformation within the program since his arrival in 2019. Under his guidance, the Bulldogs not only captured their first regular-season SEC title but also became only the fourth team in SEC history to finish conference play with a flawless record. Armstrong's strategic vision has turned the Bulldogs into one of the nation's elite teams, allowing just two goals across ten SEC games—a testament to his influence and the squad's discipline.
At the heart of Mississippi State's stellar season is a love of the defensive. Anchoring this effort is graduate goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, the 2024 SEC Goalkeeper of the Year, whose record-setting performance has drawn national attention. Anderson leads the NCAA in nearly every major goalkeeping category, including goals-against average (0.24) and shutout percentage (.824), while her commanding presence in goal has been instrumental in securing 13 shutouts this season. Anderson's stats underscore her consistency and resolve, with only four goals allowed across 17 games and a .909 save percentage, making her one of the premier shot-stoppers in college soccer.
Complementing Anderson's efforts is the tenacious defense led by senior Rylie Combs, the SEC Defender of the Year. Combs has been a wall in the back line, using her exceptional positioning and game-reading ability to neutralize opposing offenses. Her leadership on the field has been a stabilizing force for Mississippi State's defense, which is currently the best in the SEC and among the strongest nationally. Combs has not only set the standard for defensive play within the program but has also contributed to the Bulldogs' 0.24 goals-against average, a figure that highlights the consistency and discipline of the team's back line.
Mississippi State's midfield has been equally influential, with SEC Midfielder of the Year Macey Hodge leading the charge. Known for her relentless work rate and creativity, Hodge has served as the engine of the Bulldogs' possession-oriented game. Her ability to win tackles, control tempo, and connect plays has made her indispensable in both offensive and defensive transitions, allowing the Bulldogs to dominate midfield battles and control the pace of their games. Hodge's leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in Mississippi State's rise this season, embodying the grit and resilience that have come to define this Bulldog squad.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are propelled by junior forward Ally Perry, whose First Team All-SEC selection is a testament to her impact on Mississippi State's attack. Perry leads the team with nine goals and 21 points, frequently finding the net at critical moments and applying constant pressure on opposing defenses. Her league-best 71 shots underscore her aggressiveness in the final third and her ability to generate opportunities in tight matches. Perry's scoring touch has been key to the Bulldogs' success in close games, providing the offensive firepower that balances Mississippi State's defensive strengths.
Adding depth and versatility to the squad, Mississippi State's Second and Third Team All-SEC honorees highlight the quality and cohesion within the lineup. Zoe Main and Alexis Gutierrez, each named to the Second Team, have contributed stability and flexibility to the pitch, while senior forward Aitana Martinez-Montoya earned a Third Team selection for her playmaking ability and dynamic presence in attack. Freshman Kennedy Husbands was named to the All-Freshman Team, showcasing her potential as a rising star within the program.
Mississippi State's opponent, Tennessee (9-5-4, 3-4-3 SEC), enters the quarterfinal matchup following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kentucky in the first round of the tournament. The Lady Vols, five-time SEC Tournament champions, have proven themselves as a resilient squad in postseason play, holding a 19-17-6 all-time record in the SEC Tournament. Tennessee's defense has been solid throughout the season, with freshman goalkeeper Cayden Norris recording her second consecutive shutout against Kentucky in her second collegiate start.Â
For Mississippi State, this quarterfinal match represents more than just another game; it's an opportunity to continue rewriting their program's history. After achieving a record-breaking regular season, the Bulldogs are now setting their sights to the next chapter for the 2024 campaign. A win against Tennessee would advance them to the semifinals and bring them one step closer to capping off their remarkable season with yet another first for the program.
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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