Ole Miss softball enters the SEC Tournament with a 31-24 record, but their performance reflects the tough competition in the SEC. Coach Jamie Trachsel emphasizes the challenging nature of their schedule.
Key points
Ole Miss softball record is 31-24 entering the SEC Tournament
The team has a challenging SEC schedule
Ole Miss recently beat No. 18 Mississippi State
Rachel Connors hit a walk-off three-run homer
Coach Jamie Trachsel emphasizes the competitiveness of the SEC
Ole MissMississippi StateSEC TournamentRachel Connors
Why Ole Miss softball's record is deceptive entering SEC Tournament
OXFORD ā The way Ole Miss softball coach Jamie Trachsel describes her team's SEC schedule is reflected in the Rebels' record.
Mississippi starting pitcher/relief pitcher Kyra Aycock (30) is recognized on Senior Day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi infielder Cassie Reasner (20) is safe at second as the ball gets past Mississippi State infielder Morgan Stiles (24) in the 7th inning at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Q&A
What is Ole Miss softball's current record entering the SEC Tournament?
Ole Miss softball has a record of 31-24 as they enter the SEC Tournament.
Who did Ole Miss softball recently defeat before the SEC Tournament?
Ole Miss softball recently defeated No. 18 Mississippi State 3-0.
What significant play occurred in the Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State game?
Rachel Connors hit a walk-off three-run homer in the seventh inning of the game.
How does Coach Jamie Trachsel describe the SEC softball schedule?
Coach Jamie Trachsel describes the SEC schedule as a 'dogfight,' highlighting its competitiveness.
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Mississippi infielder Laylonna Applin (26) bunts vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi infielder MacKenzie Pickens (1) cheers as Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi outfielder Taylor Malvin (22) makes a catch at the wall vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi infielder Cassie Reasner (20) dives back safe at second ahead of the tag by Mississippi State infielder Morgan Stiles (24) at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Fans attend Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi State starting pitcher/relief pitcher Alyssa Faircloth (4) pitches against Mississippi at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi utility Taylor Roman (23) is recognized on Senior Day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Fans cheer before Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
The Mississippi State bench cheers against Ole Miss at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi starting pitcher Emilee Boyer (7) pitches vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Ole Miss head coach Jamie Trachsel vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi starting pitcher/relief pitcher Graycen Jordan (82) warms up in the bullpen vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts watches during the game against Ole Miss at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi infielder Tenly Grisham (25) makes a catch vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi starting pitcher Emilee Boyer (7) pitches vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi celebrates a walk-off home run by Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) during the game against Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Ole Miss players celebrate the win vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Ole Miss fans celebrate the win vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Ole Miss players pose for a photo before the game against Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi catcher Kennedy Bunker (8) is recognized on senior day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts is seen during the game against Mississippi at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Ole Miss seniors catch a ceremonial first pitch from a family member before the game vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi catcher Kennedy Bunker (8) is recognized on Senior Day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi catcher Kennedy Bunker (8) is recognized on senior day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts watches during the game against Ole Miss at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Fans cheer before Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Ole Miss players celebrate the win vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi starting pitcher/relief pitcher Kyra Aycock (30) is recognized on Senior Day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
1 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi starting pitcher/relief pitcher Kyra Aycock (30) is recognized on Senior Day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
2 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi infielder Cassie Reasner (20) is safe at second as the ball gets past Mississippi State infielder Morgan Stiles (24) in the 7th inning at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
3 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi infielder Laylonna Applin (26) bunts vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
4 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi infielder MacKenzie Pickens (1) cheers as Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
5 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi outfielder Taylor Malvin (22) makes a catch at the wall vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
6 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi infielder Cassie Reasner (20) dives back safe at second ahead of the tag by Mississippi State infielder Morgan Stiles (24) at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
7 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Fans attend Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi State starting pitcher/relief pitcher Alyssa Faircloth (4) pitches against Mississippi at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
9 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi utility Taylor Roman (23) is recognized on Senior Day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
10 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Fans cheer before Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
The Mississippi State bench cheers against Ole Miss at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi starting pitcher Emilee Boyer (7) pitches vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Ole Miss head coach Jamie Trachsel vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi starting pitcher/relief pitcher Graycen Jordan (82) warms up in the bullpen vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
15 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts watches during the game against Ole Miss at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi infielder Tenly Grisham (25) makes a catch vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi starting pitcher Emilee Boyer (7) pitches vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) hits a walk-off three-run home run vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi celebrates a walk-off home run by Mississippi utility Rachel Connors (34) during the game against Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Ole Miss players celebrate the win vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Ole Miss fans celebrate the win vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Ole Miss players pose for a photo before the game against Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi catcher Kennedy Bunker (8) is recognized on senior day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts is seen during the game against Mississippi at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Ole Miss seniors catch a ceremonial first pitch from a family member before the game vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi catcher Kennedy Bunker (8) is recognized on Senior Day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi catcher Kennedy Bunker (8) is recognized on senior day vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
30 / 32
Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts watches during the game against Ole Miss at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Fans cheer before Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Ole Miss softball vs Mississippi State, see our best photos from Rebels vs Bulldogs
Ole Miss players celebrate the win vs. Mississippi State at Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
The regular-season finale gave them the 2-1 series win over MSU (37-17, 9-15), their first home conference series win this season. But the 8-16 record in SEC play is a little misleading.
The Rebels' aren't elite, but they aren't your average team 8-16 team. Although they are only the No. 13 seed in the SEC Tournament and will face No. 12 South Carolina on May 5, the strength of their schedule has them in good shape ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
Ole Miss has played three-game series against No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 3 Alabama, No. 5 Texas, No. 9 Tennessee, No. 12 Texas A&M, No. 16 Mississippi State and No. 19 LSU. Auburn is the only unranked SEC team the Rebels have played.
Getting six wins against that lineup, highlighted by two on the road against the Lady Vols, has pushed Ole Miss to No. 23 in the RPI entering May 2. After picking up two ranked wins against MSU, the Rebels likely are going to earn a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Ole Miss lost by two runs or fewer twice to Alabama, once to Texas, once to Tennessee, twice to Texas A&M, twice to LSU and once to MSU.
"Even though we had a really tough schedule, I think we took some people by surprise," Connors said May 2. "Even with our losses, with how well we competed. When we've needed it most, we've won."
Senior pitcher Emilee Boyer is getting her first taste of SEC play. She transferred in after three seasons at Division II West Texas A&M, where she was the Division II National Player of the Year in 2025. She pitched all seven innings in the shutout of MSU on May 2.
"It's been a tough year and we just keep going," Boyer said. "Keep it in the past and go one game at a time and one pitch at a time."
Trachsel said the gauntlet of SEC play has helped battle-test her team. The rewards have started to show the past couple of weeks. Ole Miss won consecutive SEC series against Auburn and MSU after losing its four of its first five matchups.
The Rebels have a new-look roster from the 2025 team that finished 11-13 in the SEC and made a run to the Women's College World Series. Ole Miss graduated 11 players from that team, including the pitching staff.
"The big thing we wanted to focus on is letting this team find their own identity," Trachsel said. "Not try to think back to what last year's team did. What I'm proud of is the mentality, resiliency."
Sam Hutchens coversĀ Ole MissĀ for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
