March 16, 2001

Columbia, Mo. - The Missouri softball team (13-14) broke its first day tournament trend Friday, defeating Temple 3-2 and then Pittsburgh 5-2. Previously, the Tigers opened every tournament this season with a 1-1 split.

In the first game, the Owls and the Tigers were locked in a pitching duel until the fifth, when in the top of the inning Temple scored two runs off a double by pinch hitter Ashley Caudill. The Tigers answered with a run in the bottom of the fifth with a run scored off a center field single by sophomore Melanie Fisher. Then, down 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh, junior rightfielder Heather Allister hit a key single to left center field that would drive in freshman Rachael McGinnis and junior Lindsey Jacoby to win the game.

In the second game, the Tigers faced Pittsburgh, who drew first blood in the top of the first with one run and three hits, Pittsburgh scored another in the top of the second, but in the bottom of that inning, Tiger rightfielder Allister laid down a sacrifice bunt that advanced Fisher to second base. Fisher then stole third base, and advanced home when the Panther catcher overthrew third base.

The real Tiger showing came in the fifth, when Allister grounded to second base, which would score junior Lindsey Jacoby from second. The next play, junior Erin Erickson hit a home run over left field that would score two runs and seal the deal for the Tigers.

"It was good to see the players come back and win it, in both games," said Head Coach Jay Miller. They didn't give up, they didn't quit, they kept battling, and it paid off. Heather Allister really stepped up today, hitting game winning RBI in both games."

If games are played outside tomorrow, Mizzou will take on Indiana at noon and and Temple at 2 p.m. However, if the games are played inside, Missouri will face Pittsburgh at noon and Temple at 2 p.m. Please see the schedules accompanying this release.

All Missouri games this weekend can be heard on 88.1 KCOU FM or at www.KCOU.com.