Virus to keep fans at home

Chad Goss still wanted to go.

Even after Goss, of Picayune, found out about the NCAA’s recommendation Wednesday to close its sporting events to the general public due to concerns about COVID-19, an illness caused by the novel coronavirus, he didn’t mind.

Mia Davidson’s big night leads Mississippi State softball over Southern Miss

Davidson had a career-high four hits, including two home runs, as she powered Mississippi State to its 14th consecutive victory.

Prep baseball roundup: New Hope routs North Pike at Battle of the Beach

Zac Butler drove in four runs for the Trojans (5-3), and Kameron Harcrow had three RBIs as New Hope won in three innings on the run rule.

Mississippi State restricts attendance at athletic events through at least March 30

Beginning Thursday, attendance is limited to student-athletes, coaches, event staff, essential team and conference staff, credentialed media and immediate family members of the participating student-athletes and coaches.

Troy transfer Annie Willis is ‘in control’ in the circle for Mississippi State softball

Willis responded to being named SEC pitcher of the week by throwing a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts Friday and striking out 12 in 6 2/3 shutout innings Sunday. The junior made a quick transition to Starkville and has developed into an ace for the Bulldogs right away.

Prep baseball roundup: Ryan Burt throws two-hitter as New Hope beats Terry in Gulfport

Burt struck out nine hitters in his seven innings of work and also recorded a hit at the plate.

Caledonia baseball rebounds from early wake-up call to run-rule Lamar County (Ala.)

The ‘Feds put up a four-spot in the bottom of the first after giving up three quick runs in the top of the inning. From there, Caledonia got rolling and cruised to a 10-run win.

Mississippi State men’s tennis coach Matt Roberts talks recruiting, new indoor facility at Starkville Rotary Club

The Bulldogs’ $8 million indoor facility, set to open in May, will be just one of the team’s many recruiting draws.

Prep softball roundup: Olivia Boykin hits walk-off double as Caledonia earns two thrilling wins in Fulton

Boykin broke a tie in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run double into the gap in left center field to give the ‘Feds a walk-off victory over Russellville (Alabama). Earlier, timely hitting and Tori Brooks’ pitching led Caledonia to a comeback win over North Pontotoc.

Prep baseball roundup: Columbus High falls twice at Northeast Mississippi CC tournament

Jamad Horn struck out four hitters in 4⅓ innings on the mound for Columbus against East Union in a 10-4 loss, and the Falcons were later shut out 10-0 by Southaven.

For Starkville coach Greg Carter, winning Class 6A title came at cost of son Tyson’s senior day at Mississippi State

The elder Carter couldn’t make it to Humphrey Coliseum on Saturday because his Yellow Jackets were too busy winning their second straight state championship. “I hate missing out on it,” Carter said.

Annie Willis’ stellar outing helps Mississippi State shut out SEMO in Bulldog Slamboree final

Willis struck out 12 hitters in 6.2 scoreless innings, following up a no-hit performance Friday against Mississippi Valley State as the Bulldogs went 5-0 at the Starkville tournament.

Prep basketball: Starkville holds off Murrah in Class 6A final for second straight state title

Starkville lost a big lead in the third quarter, but junior Coltie Young hit two big 3-pointers, and the Yellow Jackets managed to beat the Mustangs and go back to back in Class 6A.

Prep baseball roundup: Starkville High drops close game at Tupelo

Jack Perry pitched 5⅔ innings, striking out six, but the Jackets’ offense was shut out by the Golden Wave.

New Hope seniors Cooper Odom, Jacob Wilson sign to play soccer at Southwest Mississippi CC

The duo grew close through two years of playing together with the Trojans and will stick together for their collegiate careers.

Duo of DJ Jackson, Aniya Saddler paces Columbus girls in championship victory

The junior and senior combined for 36 points in the Falcons’ historic win.

Prep basketball: Columbus High girls beat Brookhaven in Class 5A final for first-ever state championship

The Falcons’ best-ever season ended with a record of 23-4.

Starkville Academy promotes Marianne Ward to head girls basketball coach

Ward coached the Volunteers’ junior high girls team and assisted with the varsity team this past season. Her hiring means that coach Bill Ball is now only responsible for the boys program.

Mississippi State baseball notebook: JT Ginn out for season after elbow surgery; Tanner Allen also out

Additionally, Tanner Allen broke a bone in his glove hand on Sunday during the Bulldogs’ series against Long Beach State over the weekend and underwent surgery Tuesday.

Prep basketball: Coltie Young, Zeke Cook star as Starkville boys bully Harrison Central in Class 6A semifinal

Coltie Young came out firing in the first quarter, Zeke Cook dominated down low in the second, and the Yellow Jackets earned a chance at their second straight state title.