With all rivalry games, the matchup is unlike any other one on the schedule. With the first serve of the match, the passion from the Rebels and rival Mississippi State was well shown.
The Rebels fought hard, but could not hang with the Bulldogs as they fell 3 sets to 0.
The Bulldogs began set one strong, gaining a quick lead that they would maintain all set long. The Bulldogs would take set one, holding the Rebels to only 17 points.
The Rebels were ready to play at the start of set two and quickly scored with a kill by sophomore Kate Gibson. The momentum was high, and both teams were neck and neck. The Rebels fell behind the Bulldogs, widening the deficit to 13-20. After a needed timeout, a kill by senior Ty Laporte would start the Rebels’ drive to get back in the game. With several key plays including a block by junior Aubrey Edie and senior Nekeyta Clair and two kills by Laporte, the Rebels would come back to tie the set at 23. After a hard-fought set, the Rebels fell to the Bulldogs 23-25.
With the momentum gained in set two, the Rebels started set three with the intent to stay in the game. The Rebels’ momentum slowly diminished, losing set three 18-25 and ultimately the match 0-3.
This loss marks the first to the Bulldogs in the last seven match-ups.
“I think sometimes a program can get caught up in the past and what teams used to be,” Ole Miss head coach Steven McRoberts said. “We had a great run against them with wins over the last few years, but now it’s time to convince them again.”
As with all rivalry games, the energy and momentum of both teams is crucial in earning a win.
“We did not respond when they brought their energy, and it hurt us,” Clair said. “That’s what made us not be able to win.”
Looking forward to the remainder of a season full of Southeastern Conference matchups, the Rebels are hoping for a turn around in conference play.
“We have to find our fight and our drive and what is going to make us win,” Clair said. “We have to realize that these teams are not just going to give us the game. We have to fight and that’s what we are going to work on this week, finding our fight.”
The Rebels will face the Bulldogs once more at Starkville in the last game of the season.
“I don’t know if we knew yet that they were our rivals with so many new girls, but now we know,” Clair said. “I feel like we had to experience this, and now that we have. We’ll find this fight they we need. When we go down to Starkville, we will show up the way we need to.”
The Rebels are now 0-2 in the SEC and will face in-conference opponents for the remainder of the regular season.
“Every win in the SEC is earned. We’re still working hard to create that culture and mindset here,” McRoberts said. “We have to go out and play our best.”
“Hats off the Mississippi State because they came here and played aggressively and we didn’t respond,” McRoberts said on the Bulldogs. “It’s disappointing and frustrating, but I think everyone is on the same page now. We have to come out Tuesday ready to practice and get better because if we don’t, it’s going to be a long SEC season.”
The Rebels will face South Carolina on Friday.
Lexi Thompson serves for the lady rebels against Mississippi State Sunday night. Photo by: Ariel Cobbert
