Rematch With No. 4 Arkansas Awaits State At SEC Tournament

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Mississippi State returns to the pitch at the SEC Tournament on Tuesday against No. 4 Arkansas in a matchup of the last two regular season conference champions. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network in the third game of the day in Pensacola, Florida.

Just one game into the event, it's already been a historic tournament for the Bulldogs. Tuesday night saw the team record its highest shots, shots on goal and corners totals in an SEC Tournament match while posting the first SEC Tournament shutout in school history. MSU's 11 shots on goal are already tied for the single-year program record at the conference tournament.

The last time MSU and Arkansas met, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 2-0 lead within the first six minutes, but ultimately lost by two goals in Fayetteville. One of the league's newer rivalries has been highlighted by significant matches in recent history. Both programs brought lengthy SEC winning streaks into their regular season meeting this year where their last conference losses had come at the hands of each other.

In 2024, State toppled the then-No. 1 Razorbacks at home on a corner kick goal from Ally Perry. Two years ago, the teams met in Pensacola with Arkansas winning the SEC semifinal matchup.

Kicking Off

Postseason Program History: State's 22 shots, 11 shots on goal and six corners vs. Oklahoma on Sunday were all MSU single-game records in the SEC Tournament.

Down To The Wire: The Bulldogs boast an SEC-leading 14 goals in the 70th minute or later, including eight in the 80th minute or later, which is second in the league only to Arkansas' nine. Tatum Borman's goal at the 88:48 mark on Sunday was MSU's latest game-winning goal in regulation in its postseason history.

Handled By Harrison: Jenny Harrison posted the first SEC Tournament shutout in program history against Oklahoma on Sunday. In three career starts at the Division I level, Harrison has allowed one goal.

First Time Here: Five of State's 11 starters on Sunday made their first career postseason start at the Division I level.

Letting Laila Run: Laila Murillo has set career highs in minutes played in each of the last three games, including making her first two career starts.

About Arkansas (9-3-4, 7-1-2 SEC)

Rankings: United Soccer Coaches – 4 | TopDrawerSoccer – 15
Head Coach: Colby Hale | Record at ARK: 183-83-33 (14th Year) | Career Record: 183-83-33 (14th Year)

Series History

Notables

Tuesday's match will see the teams responsible for the last three SEC regular season championships go head-to-head. Arkansas is making its 10th straight trip to the SEC Tournament and 19th overall. The Hogs have been to eight of the last 10 championship matches but have failed to hoist the trophy. Arkansas is 19-15-4 all-time in the tournament and will play Mississippi State for the first time since 2023, the last year Arkansas reached
the final. The Razorbacks have played eight ranked opponents this season, including four of the current top 15 in the United Soccer Coaches' poll.

Next Up

With a win, State would advance to the SEC Tournament semifinals for the third year in a row and would play the winner of four-seed Tennessee and five-seed LSU. The semifinals are set for Thursday, Nov. 6, and kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.

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Rematch With No. 4 Arkansas Awaits State At SEC Tournament

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Tatum Borman

Laila Murillo

Ally Perry

Mississippi State University Athletics

Rematch With No. 4 Arkansas Awaits State At SEC Tournament

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Tatum Borman

Laila Murillo

Ally Perry

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