True freshman shines as Mississippi State kicks off with soccer win

Mississippi State soccer opened the 2026-27 athletic calendar on Wednesday with a 3-0 victory over South Alabama, its first win under new head coach Kevin O'Brien. O'Brien took over last December and, after describing the early challenge of working with a “brand new group of players,” pointed to the result as an “unbelievable” start with plenty of room to improve. The Bulldogs had only four regular starters from 2025 in the lineup. True freshman Kati Anne Shepherd scored 5 minutes in after pressing caused a turnover, finishing to give Mississippi State a 1-0 lead. Haliey Johnson and Reganne Morris added late goals.