Feb. 8, 2002
San Diego, Calif.- The University of Missouri softball team dropped its first game of the season on Friday afternoon falling victim to two errors in a 3-1 loss to Hawaii at the Aztec Invitational in San Diego, Calif. Head coach Jay Miller said the Tigers failed to do the little things it takes to win in the loss.
"We definitely had our opportunities to grab a win," Miller said. "We did not execute very well and Hawaii capitalized on our mistakes which made the difference in the game."
The Tigers' out-hit the Rainbow Wahine 9-6, but could not capitalize on several run producing opportunities. The best chance for the Tigers to make a dent came in the top of the fourth inning when Mizzou had the bases loaded with one out. However, the Tigers would go in order from there on out and squander the chance after a strikeout and a weak grounder to the pitcher. Three Tigers recorded two hits in the game with junior Sara Vassmer scoring the Tigers' lone run of the game.
After freshman pitcher Veronica Flournoy experienced some early struggles, junior Ingrid Werner entered the game and pitched 3 2/3 innings allowing only three hits, no runs and struck out one.
The Tigers are now 1-1 on the young season while the Rainbow Wahine improves to 3-3 on year. Mizzou has an early start tomorrow as they face the No. 23 San Diego State Aztecs tomorrow at 9 am PST and will then have another shot at the Hawaii at 11:30 am. The Tigers first home action of the season will be next Sat, Feb. 16 in the Mizzou Round Robin. For more information on Tiger softball, log on to www.mutigers.com.