Ole Miss softball defeated Boston University, 8-6, in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on May 15 at Tracey Sellers Field.
The game was decided by a seven-run third inning for Ole Miss, which proved to be enough to hold off a late rally from Boston University. The Rebels improved their record to 35-24 while the Terriers fell to 46-14.
Boston University scored first after three walks and a sacrifice fly. However, Ole Miss responded quickly with singles from Mackenzie Pickens and Persy Llamas, followed by Madi George being hit by a pitch to load the bases. Laylonna Applin then drove in a run with an infield single.
In the third inning, Pickens hit a solo home run to tie the game at two runs each. Llamas singled before George hit her 22nd home run of the season, giving Ole Miss a two-run lead. Additional singles and timely hitting extended their advantage as Taylor Malvin contributed with a two-run single and back-to-back bases-loaded hit-by-pitches brought in more runs for an 8-2 lead.
Lilly Whitten pitched six innings of relief for Ole Miss, allowing three runs and striking out two batters. Despite Boston University’s late push that included two home runs in the seventh inning, Emilee Boyer closed out the game with an important double play.
Ole Miss will next face either Texas Tech or Marist on Saturday at 2 p.m. Central Time.
