Following its first conference victory against Arkansas last Sunday, the Mississippi State University Lady Bulldogs went toe-to-toe Thursday night against one of the most elite teams in the nation, the Tennessee Volunteers.  
The Lady Bulldogs fought hard and played with intensity all game long, but eventually, they would go on to drop the nail biter by a score of 67-63.
Despite losing the close game, the Lady Bulldogs had no time to hang their heads, as they quickly had to turn around and face the conference’s best team and No. 21 Texas A&M Aggies.  
The road trip to Texas A&M was MSU head coach Vic Schaffer’s first time returning back to College Station since he left in 2012.  
When asked prior to Sunday’s game about his feelings toward Texas A&M, Schaefer said the return home was simply a “business trip.” Unfortunately, the homecoming would be spoiled as MSU fell to the Aggies 73-35.  
The Lady Bulldogs will look to rebound as they face bitter in-state rival Ole Miss on Thursday night before returning home Sunday to host Missouri.
Following Sunday’s loss to the Aggies, Schaefer was critical of the way his team played.
“Sometimes, when you have the youth, inexperience and immaturity that we have, those things show up. All three things reared their ugly heads today against a really good Texas A&M basketball team today,” Schaefer said.
With the pair of losses, the team now stands at 14-5 and 1-4 in conference play. 
Even with the slow start in conference play, Schaefer said he likes the toughness he sees out of all of his players.
“They’re competitive,” he said.  “When you recruit for this league, you better go get tough, physical and aggressive kids who have a little edge to them, and these kids all have it.”
The team’s toughness is being recognized throughout the league.  
Tennessee Volunteers guard Andraya Carter said in a postgame Thursday night, although her team won, she was still impressed with MSU’s squad.
“They played a lot better than what we saw on films.  They brought it. They have heart and they have hustle.  I tip my hats off to them,” Carter said.
Schaefer said he can see his team growing up right in front of his eyes.  
MSU senior guard Katia May said competition is good, but the ultimate goal is to get the “W”, and it is dissatisfying to lose
“It’s not a good feeling,” she said.  “It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but I’m happy about how we compete and show relentless effort.”