March 23, 2001
After a disappointing split with Indiana State on Monday, the Tigers (18-15) are looking to regroup heading into conference play, which begins this weekend against Nebraska (22-9). The Tigers will host the Huskers Saturday and Sunday with games at 1 p.m. opening the Big 12 conference schedule.
The Tigers will hit the road, ending a 17-game homestand as they will travel to take on Oklahoma in Norman March 27, beginning at 5 p.m. p.m. They will then move on to Texas to meet UT-San Antonio in a doubleheader on March 29 at 1 p.m. The Tigers will close their trip with the University of Texas in Austin on March 31 and April 1. Those games each begin at 1 p.m. All action can be heard at KTGR 1580 AM or at www.KTGR.com.
Tiger Run 2001
Mizzou is 18-15 heading into the weekend and next week's spring trip. The Tigers recently won the Missouri Invitational, hosting the tournament with Pittsburgh, Indiana and Temple. The Tigers then defeated Indiana State 9-1 in a game that had been suspended due to darkness, but the Sycamores rallied and took the second game away from the Tigers, 4-1.
A look at Nebraska
The Huskers are currently 22-9 and are ranked No. 18 in the USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll. On Wednesday, the Huskers defeated Creighton University to bring their win streak to 11. The Huskers are led by a host of experienced juniors, including third baseman Cindy Roethmeyer, and first baseman Jamie Fuente. Head coach Rhonda Revelle is in her eighth year at the helm of the Husker softball squad, and has posted a 261-165 record since taking over at MU.
Miller Achieves a Milestone
Missouri softball head coach Jay Miller earned his 500th win and a place in Tiger history this year when the softball team defeated Western Illinois 3-1 at the Mizzou Round Robin on Feb. 18. Miller is currently the winningest active coach at the University of Missouri with a record of 514-263.
Falk Records Perfect ERA in 8 Showings
Senior pitcher Stephanie Falk has shown why she is the go-to person on the mound for the Tigers. In nine appearances and six complete games over the last two pre-conference tournaments, Falk notched an ERA of 0.00 and struck out 38 batters in 45 innings of work. In the same tournaments, Falk also took her first at-bats of the season. At the plate she was 6-19 (.316) with two doubles and seven RBI.
Falk is the recipient of the 2001 Brock Olivo Award, given given by the Tiger Quarterback Club of Kansas City, Mo, to a both a female and a male Mizzou athlete who best demonstrates the character, dedication and leadership that exemplified Brock Olivo during his career. The award is open to any athlete without regard to sport.
Freshman Making Early Marks
Although the Tigers are a young team, that most certainly doesn't equate to inexperience or inability. Two of four freshmen who joined the team for this year have already earned starting responsibilities, and the other two provide key support for the Tigers both on offense and defense. Jeni Schellert holds down the fort at second base, and assistance is provided at the middle bag by fellow freshman Ricki Walker. Rachael McGinnis handles responsiblities at third and is currently batting the clean-up position in the lineup. McGinnis has the third-highest batting average on the team (.343) with three doubles, three triples, one homer, and a team-high 22 RBI. Other offensive support is provided by Daisy Mettlach as a pinch hitter and runner.
Williams Works Wonders
Senior centerfielder Karen Williams is putting on a display of how to lead by example. So far this year, Williams is 47-100 (.470) at the plate. Her exceptional speed and proficient slap-hitting ability has pushed her on-base percentage to .500, and she is 14-17 in stolen bases. She has recorded 15 putouts in centerfield, and is second in team scoring for the Tigers with 18 runs.
They're Tiger Softball, They're Nationwide
Reporters, supporters and fans will now be able to catch all Tiger softball action, whether they can make it to the game or not. All home and away games will be covered by ESPN radio affiliate 1580 AM KTGR the Tiger. The coverage is also simulcast over the web at www.KTGR.com. The play-by-play announcer will be Tex Little. The color commentator will vary by date.