March 2, 2002
Plant City, Fla.-It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. That is, in a microcosm, the story of the Missouri softball team's second day of action at the Strawberry Cup in Plant City, Fla., on Saturday. After struggling mightily in their opening game of the day against No. 25 South Carolina (losing 6-0), Mizzou emerged with new life in the second game upsetting No. 12 Michigan, 2-1.
The Tigers offensive struggles would continue from Day 1 of the Cup in the opening game of the day against the Gamecocks of South Carolina. USC would score runs in five of the first six innings and take the game, 6-0. The Gamecocks would record 13 hits off of Tiger starter Ingrid Werner compared to only four hits for Mizzou (three of which were doubles). The Tiger defense would stumble recording three errors.
Mizzou would look like a completely different team in Game 2 of the day. The Tigers would take a 2-0 lead on two hits and two Michigan errors in the top of the first inning. Taking the mound for the Tigers was talented but unproven freshman Veronica Flournoy.
In what was certainly her best outing of the season, Flournoy worked 5 2/3 innings giving up only one run and four hits while striking out four to earn the win. The Tigers would play excellent defense behind their pitcher. Michigan would make several runs on the Tigers lead. Up 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth, Michigan had one on with one out. On the first pitch of her at bat, first baseman Monica Schrock would send a drive deep to right field. The hit would certainly went for extra bases and possibly a home run if senior Heather Allister hadn't made an amazing over-the-shoulder catch on a dead sprint toward the fence to record the second out. Marissa Young would ground out to the shortstop to squelch the Wolverine threat.
The Wolverines would threaten once again in the bottom of the sixth. Michigan would manufacture a run with two outs on a single by Stefanie Volpe. Coach Jay Miller would then bring in Werner, who would allow only one hit in 1 2/3 innings of work to hold Michigan in check and earn her first save of the year and give the Tigers a win.
Four Tigers recorded a hit in the contest including McGinnis who has now recorded a hit in nine straight and 17 of the Tigers 18 contests in 2002.
Mizzou is now 7-11 overall and will take on Michigan State and Ohio on Sunday to wrap up the tournament. With two wins, the Tigers will finish the tournament at 3-3. For more information on Tiger softball, log on to www.mutigers.com.