Connors Walks it Off, Softball Takes Series from No. 16 Mississippi State

OXFORD, Miss. (Relase)– For the second consecutive game, the Ole Miss softball program delivered a walk-off home run, as Rachel Connors came off the bench to blast a three-run home run and power the Rebels to a 3-0 win and series victory over No. 16 Mississippi State on senior day at the Alisa and Mark Bourne Stadium.

Connors struck for the only runs of the game to power the Rebels (32-23, 6-18 SEC) to a second consecutive walk-off win, following Kennedy Bunker’s home run on Friday night. Emilee Boyer pitched another gem in the circle, striking out three and allowing just three hits over seven complete innings to defeat the Bulldogs (37-17, 9-15 SEC).

In a series featuring dynamic pitching, both Boyer and Mississippi State starter Alyssa Faircloth traded scoreless frames, matching each other step-for-step.

Bunker picked up the first hit of the game in the opening inning, but both offenses struggled to solve Boyer and Faircloth. Boyer got out of a two-on jam in the second inning, before both pitchers got through clean third innings.

Mississippi State managed to generate base runners in the fourth and fifth innings on a walk and single, but each time, Boyer was up to the task. The senior responded with strikeouts in back-to-back frames and kept the game knotted at 0-0.

Ole Miss found an opportunity in the fifth inning thanks to a Cassie Reasner single. Laylonna Applin bunted her into scoring position and Tenly Grisham walked, but Faircloth managed to generate soft contact on the next two batters and escape.

The visitors led off the seventh inning with a single and bunted the runner into scoring position. Boyer remained composed, generating two quick outs and turning the game over to her offense.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Reasner picked up her second hit of the game to lead off the frame. Once again, the Rebels turned to Applin to bunt, but this time, a throwing error allowed both runners to safely reach base.

Head coach Jamie Trachsel then made the move, bringing Connors off the bench. On an 0-1 pitch, the sophomore attacked a mistake in the zone to blast a three-run home run and secure the victory.

Ole Miss will turn its attention to the 2026 SEC Tournament, hosted by Kentucky in Lexington, Ky. The Rebels will play a to-be-determined opponent on Tuesday. All opening round games will be televised on the SEC Network.

-Courtesy of Ole Miss Sports