Bulldogs Earn Third Consecutive Win After Defeating Demon Deacons

Tuesday, September 8

Winston-Salem, N.C.

5:30 p.m.

Mississippi State

5-1,0-0SEC

Wake Forest

2-4,0-0ACC

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Mississippi St.	25	25	21	25	3
Wake Forest	18	14	25	18	1

Bulldogs Earn Third Consecutive Win After Defeating Demon Deacons

September 08, 2026 | Volleyball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Will Simmons, Assistant Director/Communications

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Mississippi State volleyball extended their winning streak to three straight games on Tuesday, as they took down Wake Forest in the annual "Showdown at the Net" ACC/SEC Challenge, 3-1.

"I'm super proud of another gritty team win. We are making things happen on our side and executing well right now," head coach Julie Darty Dennis said. "I thought there were some long rallies tonight and that both teams were able to go the distance. In the end, we were able to outlast a really good Wake Forest team, and I'm so proud of our effort and execution."

The Bulldogs gained control in the opening set's media timeout, gaining a 15-14 lead off an attacking error. State used a 6-1 to extend their lead to 20-15 and took the first set, 25-18. The momentum for the Maroon and White carried over to set two, as the Dawgs would hit .412 as a team with no errors to run away with a 25-14 victory.

Wake Forest would bounce back in the third set of the match, winning 25-21. The Demon Deacons earned their largest lead of the match at four in the fourth set, but the Bulldogs tied the set up at 13 and eventually won the final frame, 25-18.

Lindsey Mangelson picked up 16 kills, leading the Bulldog offense on the night. Mangelson also grabbed a season high 14 digs to reach her third double double in the last four games. She also grabbed a pair of blocks in the match.

Bernardita Aguilar once again was phenomenal for State, picking up 12 kills and 15 digs on the way to her third consecutive double double. Paloma Routaboul grabbed seven kills on the night.

Noella Obi stood out at the middle blocking position with seven kills at a .538 clip, alongside five blocks, two of which were solos. Ava Anderson picked up a season high six kills in the contest. McKenna Yates was all over the floor, finishing the match with 21 digs, her second 20+ dig performance of the year.

The Bulldogs will travel to Tennessee for a pair of matchups with Alcorn State and Memphis. State will take on Alcorn on Friday at 3 p.m., while the Tigers and Dawgs will face off at 3 p.m. on Saturday on ESPN+.

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