For the first time in the better part of a decade, the Mississippi State softball program is sitting at home while the NCAA softball tournament takes place.

Unfortunately, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are missing out on the 2023 NCAA softball tournament as Samantha Ricketts and company struggled through much of SEC play.

While there are some bright moments to look back on, the Bulldogs didn’t fare too well when compared against much of the rest of the SEC.

Now we look ahead to the offseason for the MSU softball program.

Mississippi State softball fails to make 2023 NCAA softball tournament

What makes this moment even more frustrating for MSU softball fans is that the Bulldogs are the only SEC team sitting out of the tournament this year. That’s right, the other 12 SEC softball programs are all having fun and theoretically have a shot at competing for a national title.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be sitting at home. It’s a frustrating drop off from a season ago when Mississippi State made a run to a Super Regional for the first time in program history.

But, after losing a generational talent like Mia Davidson (and several other key contributors), it makes sense that State took a step back.

The Bulldogs did show some impressive potential at times throughout the 2023 season. Sweeping South Carolina and taking down Kentucky highlights what this program is capable of.

State also got off to a hot start early on this year.

Mississippi State just needs to find a way to reach that potential consistently next season. And unfortunately, MSU fans will indeed be waiting until next season to see if that’s possible.