Good morning! Ahead of Bulldog softball’s NCAA Tournament appearance, read about how the team is learning to embrace the ride as the matchup against Cal State Fullerton approaches.

What else did we throw into today’s Bulldog Brew?

⛳️ Bulldogs ready for round one at NCAA Championships
⚾️ Jordan named a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy
🐶 And much, much more!

🎥 THE DUDES

The Dudes: Grand Purpose (S.1 E.4). In this episode, we follow Burke Masters from his iconic grand slam to send the Bulldogs to Omaha to his unexpected path as a Catholic priest and now as the Chicago Cubs' team Chaplain. Reflecting on his college years, Masters shares how baseball instilled in him values that still resonate today. Integrating his love for the game with his spiritual calling, he finds fulfillment in guiding players both on and off the field. Through his story, we witness the seamless blending of sportsmanship, faith, and the unwavering belief in God's plan that defines Masters' remarkable journey.

🎙️ DEAR OL’ STATE

Dear Ol’ State: A Big Baseball Series Awaits. Joel Coleman and Logan Lowery get you ready for all the action coming up at Dudy Noble Field the next three days on the latest episode of Dear Ol' State as MSU competes to try and bring postseason baseball back to Starkville. Plus, hear exclusive interviews with outfielder Connor Hujsak and pitcher Khal Stephen.

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Let’s Go Golfing. Bulldog women’s golf will tee off in their program record third consecutive NCAA Championship today amongst a field of 29 other teams. State is just one of 14 programs in the nation to appear in each of the last three NCAA Championships.

⛳️ Check out the five Bulldogs teeing it up today

📚️ Read more about State’s lineup and the tournament format

🔼 All Systems Go. The rematch awaits as Bulldog softball opens up the NCAA Tournament against Cal State Fullerton tonight at 6:30 p.m. The 33-win Bulldogs are making their 18th NCAA Tournament appearance. In their last NCAA Tournament appearance, the Bulldogs reached the Super Regionals for the first time in program history to earn the right to host the Starkville Super Regional.

📚️ Read more about the matchup and the unique mix of players the Bulldogs will use to its advantage

🔼 Big Dawg. The Diamond Dawg’s Dakota Jordan was selected as a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, an award presented annually to the top player in college baseball. Over his sophomore season with State, Jordan has shined for the Diamond Dawgs. Entering the series against Missouri, he leads the team in home runs (17) and RBIs (60) and has the sixth-best batting average in the SEC hitting .370.

🔼 Starting Off Strong. The Diamond Dawgs took game one of the series against Missouri, 4-3. With the win, the Maroon and White improved to 35-18 on the year and 16-12 in SEC play. Starting pitcher Khal Stephen drew the start on the mound and earned his eighth win. In six innings of work, he allowed five hits and three earned runs but also struck out eight. On offense, Joe Powell stayed hot with a perfect 2-for-2 night at the plate, and Bryce Chance and Amani Larry both had solo home runs.

🤔 BULLDOG TRIVIA

Championship Staple. Bulldog softball is ready for its regional round in Stanford as many of the team’s student-athletes have experience in postseason play.

Our question today: of the last 12 NCAA Tournament fields, how many times have the Bulldogs competed?

Think you got it? Scroll to the bottom of the Bulldog Brew to see if you know your stuff!

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🐶 DAWG DAILY

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📆 LOOKING AHEAD

Friday, May 17

⛳️ Women’s Golf @ NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, CA
⚾️ Baseball vs. Missouri @ 6:00pm in Starkville, MS | Tickets | Watch | Listen | Live Stats
🥎 Softball vs. Cal State Fullerton @ 6:30pm in Palo Alto, CA | Watch | Live Stats

Saturday, May 18

⛳️ Women’s Golf @ NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, CA
⚾️ Baseball vs. Missouri @ 2:00pm in Starkville, MS | Tickets | Watch | Listen | Live Stats
🥎 Softball vs. Stanford/Saint Mary’s @ TBD in Palo Alto, CA

Sunday, May 19

⛳️ Women’s Golf @ NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, CA

🐶 Click here to see the full Mississippi State Athletics Calendar

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: 10!

The Bulldogs have made 10 of the last 12 tournament fields, and all 18 of the team’s appearances have come since 2000.

🐶 Have a great weekend, y'all!