No. 13 State One-Hits No. 5 Florida But Falls In Pitching Duel

Friday, April 3

Gainesville, Fla.

5 p.m.

Mississippi State

32-8, 0

#5 Florida

35-4, 0

Mississippi State

Florida

No. 13 State One-Hits No. 5 Florida But Falls In Pitching Duel

April 03, 2026 | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Brian Ogden, Director/Communications

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – No. 13 Mississippi State held No. 5 Florida to one hit, but that hit was a two-run home run that proved to be the only scoring in the game on Friday night.

Peja Goold limited one of the nation's top-five offenses to its fewest hit total since June 1, 2024, when the Gators were beaten by No. 1 Texas. She struck out three in her 10th complete game, and the only hit came with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.

"Peja threw another great game," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "She was attacking, mixing speeds. She just made one mistake, and they capitalized on it. But, you know, another good outing for her, and we've got to find a way to have her back and score some runs."

Anna Carder led the Bulldogs' (32-8, 4-6 SEC) offense with a pair of hits. Kiarra Sells added a double to open the ballgame. State's best chance to score came in the first inning with bases loaded and only one out, but the Gators turned a double play to get out of the inning.

Quotables

Samantha Ricketts on Kiarra Sells...
"That's the reason we moved her to the lead off. She just finds ways to get on base and hits the ball hard all over the field, and we need a timely hit when we've got runners out there in scoring position. Just couldn't come up with one today."

Samantha Ricketts on Anna Carder…
"Anna's looked good the last few outings, and we trust her, knowing that she's not going to get too big in the moment and find a way to swing within the game plan. I thought she did a good job of that today."

Quick Hitters

Anna Carder – Recorded her second multi-hit game of the year and first since Feb. 15.

Peja Goold – Did not allow a hit until the game-winning home run … struck out three … posted her 10th complete game of the year.

Kiarra Sells – Opened the game with her 11th double of the year … as reached safely in 14 of her last 22 plate appearances … has reached safely in nine consecutive games with a hit in five straight.

Morgan Stiles – Singled and recorded a season-high-tying four assists.

Scoring Recap

Bottom 6
With two outs, Jocelyn Erickson drew a walk, and Kenleigh Cahalan homered to center.
No. 13 Mississippi State 0, No. 5 Florida 2

Next Up

Saturday's game time has been adjusted due to the lengthy pregame lightning delay on Friday night. First pitch is now scheduled for noon CT, and the game will now air on SEC Network+.

For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."