Northwestern had a mixed weekend in its home opener, dropping two of three to No. 18 Mississippi State. The Wildcats captured a thrilling win in the second game of the series on Saturday, but were outscored by the Bulldogs by a combined score of 26-2 in the other two contests.

The ‘Cats gave up 10 runs in the fourth inning of Friday’s 14-0 run-rule defeat, a game that featured five NU errors. Just half of Mississippi State’s runs were earned, but Northwestern’s defensive woes didn’t matter as the Wildcats were 0-for-6 at the plate with runners in scoring position.

Right-handed pitcher Lauren Boyd threw a gem in the series’ second game — the first half of a Saturday doubleheader — leading to a 4-2 Wildcat victory. The graduate student pitched her fourth complete game of the year, striking out five batters over 127 pitches. Boyd allowed just four hits and two earned runs, securing Northwestern’s second ranked win this season.

The Wildcats faltered in the finale, though, getting run-ruled again in a 12-2 loss. Northwestern was just 5-for-20 at the plate, with two hits apiece coming from Kaylie Avvisato and Emma Raye.

Northwestern’s strongest contributor over the weekend was right fielder Kelsey Nader. The junior, whose .484 on-base percentage leads the team, was 4-for-6 and reached base safely seven times in nine at-bats. Avvisato chipped in a 4-for-9 weekend with two multi-hit games on Saturday.

Pitcher Riley Grudzielanek struggled in both defeats, allowing a combined 17 hits for 14 earned runs in just 6.1 innings pitched. The sophomore was given each defeat, snapping a streak of four consecutive wins. Grudzielanek’s record in 2025 now drops to 6-7, with her ERA rising to 4.67. Entering the series against the Bulldogs, Grudzielanek’s ERA was just 3.48.

The Wildcats will host Northern Illinois on Wednesday, March 26th, before traveling to Minnesota for a Big Ten weekend series.

As another week of the high school baseball season in Mississippi is completed, it is time see where the teams are ranked in the High School on SI Mississippi top 25. Baseball powerhouse, Magnolia Heights, comes in at number one after another stellar week on the diamond.

The second half of the season looks to be as exciting as the first half which was full of exciting games and thrilling upsets. With that being said, here is the top 25 Mississippi high school baseball rankings.

The Chiefs have been a dominant force in Mississippi for years, and this season is no different. They suffered close losses to powerhouse programs Mater Dei and IMG Academy, but responded after those defeats with dominant wins. Their most recent win came over IMG Academy Black where they defeated the Ascenders 10-5.

After falling to Winter Park (FL) 6-5 two weeks ago, the Patriots responded winning their next two games versus Southaven. They outscored them 25-1 over the two-game stretch.

The Hawks have won four straight games including a win over Briarcrest Christian (TN) and Jackson Prep. In these two games, they outscored Briarcrest and JP 21-2.

After a solid start to the season, the Jaguars will look to keep their winning ways going when they take on Tupelo in a two-game set this week.

The Tigers have gotten off to a roaring start this season only losing once to Newton County on February 25. In their three previous games versus Northeast Lauderdale and McLaurin, they outscored the competition 44-2.

The Greyhounds completed a three-game sweep of Biloxi last week, and they will look to keep that momentum going this week versus St. Martin.

After defeating Copiah Academy and Manchester Academy last week, the Raiders will take on Presbyterian Christian in a three-game series this week.

After losing two straight to Madison-Ridgeland Academy and Houston Christian (TX) two weeks ago, the Urchins responded by defeating Germantown, New Site and Pine Grove last week.

The Maroon Tide had a successful week when they took two-out-of-three from Pascagoula. They will look to build upon that when they take on West Harrison in a three-game series this week.

The Knights won two convincing games versus Choctaw Central last week where they outscored them 16-2. They will take on Northeast Lauderdale in a two-game set this week.

The Panthers face Brandon this week after they defeated Northwest Rankin twice and St. Stanislaus once last week.

The Warriors have a potent lineup which has been demonstrated in their four-game winning streak. They scored 37 runs while allowing just eight runs.

The Eagles swept Brookhaven in three games last week outscoring them 25-2. They will take on South Jones twice and Clinton once this week.

The Rebels are in a midst of a 12-game winning streak where they have scored less than five runs only once. They will play Central Hinds Academy in a three-game series starting next week.

The Bulldogs have won six straight games against good competition since they last lost to Purvis on March 7.

The Raiders lost to Oak Grove 9-4 on March 14, but they responded with a 12-11 win over East Rankin Academy.

The Whippets have won three games in a row including an 8-7 victory over Jackson Prep. They will look to keep their streak intact when they take on Louisville and Grenada this week.

Since their loss to Northwest Rankin on March 11, the Bulldogs have won four straight including a sweep of East Central.

The Admirals have won seven straight games which includes a three-game sweep of D’Iberville last week. They will take on Biloxi in a three-game series which starts tonight.

The Tornadoes have lost three out of their last four, but they have shown the ability to score in bunches. They will look to get back on track this week when they take on Forrest County Agricultural.

The Tigers started off 1-4, but since then they have found their footing. They have three pivotal games this week with two versus Olive Branch, and the lone game versus Mooreville.

The Warriors dropped two one-run games versus New Hope, but they rebounded by defeating South Pontotoc 5-2.

Life after Konnor Griffin has produced its ups-and-downs this year for the Patriots, but they are still talented and extremely well-coached. They have a series versus MRA this week which could have a lasting impact on their season.

The Indians have lost two straight versus New Albany and Saltillo, but each game was close as they lost by only two runs and one run. They will look to get back on track this week when they take on Ripley and Caledonia.

After dropping their first game to Germantown 5-4 last week, the Arrows bounced back by defeating Germantown in game two of the series 8-5. They also defeated Cleveland Central 19-3 and Houston 5-4. They take on Vicksburg and Florence this week.

Follow High School On SI throughout the 2025 high school boys baseball season for Live Updates, the most up to date Schedules & Scores and complete coverage from the preseason through the state championships!

To get live updates on your phone – as well as follow your favorite teams and top games – you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App| Download Android App

The No. 1-seed USC women’s basketball team rolled over Mississippi State, 96-59, in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Monday night but the victory was overshadowed by the devastating injury suffered by Trojans star guard JuJu Watkins, who tore her ACL while driving to the basket in the first quarter.

Watkins’s season is now over and USC’s national title hopes have taken a big hit as they head to the Sweet 16 where they will face Kansas State on Saturday.

Emotions were understandably riding high during USC’s win and then in the postgame handshake line things got heated as USC senior forward Rayah Marshall had to be held back by an assistant coach after having words with a Mississippi State player.

Just a tough night for USC’s women’s team and the entire tournament, as Watkins is a special talent who will be missed the rest of the way.