Feb. 4, 2002

Columbia, Mo.-The University of Missouri Softball team swept three five-inning games from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis on Sunday at University Field in Columbia. The games were the final pre-season tune up for the Tigers as they open their 2002 campaign on Friday in San Diego, Calif.

Mizzou exploded for 17 runs in the opening game taking the contest 17-0. Five Tigers had at least three hits while junior centerfielder Kristen Burke went 4-for-4 and came up a triple short of hitting for the cycle in the win. Freshman pitcher Erin Kalka was great once again striking out eight while allowing only three hits and no runs.

MU would get stellar performances on the mound in the next two games. FreshmanVeronica Flournoy struck out three and allowed only three hits in five innings of work and the Tigers scored six runs in both the third and sixth innings of the Game 2 en route to a 14-4 victory. Junior Ingrid Werner had a good outing as well blanking the River Women of UMSL while striking out three in the Tigers 7-0 Game 3 win. Head coach Jay Miller said the Tigers are ready to their regular season campaign.

"We executed well today and continue to improve," Miller said. "The offensive production was great to see and I was also encouraged by the effectiveness of all of our pitchers."

Mizzou opens its season on Friday against host school San Diego State in San Diego, Calif. at 11:30 a.m.