May 2, 2002
Oklahoma City, Okla.-The University of Missouri softball team dropped a tough 1-0 contest to Iowa State on Saturday in a play-in game of the Big 12 Softball tournament. The Tigers could manage only two hits in the contest off of ISU starter Erica Martinez. Head coach Jay Miller said the Tigers played very well, but couldn't strike while the iron was hot.
"We definitely had our shots today and played outstanding defense," Miller said. "Ingrid (Werner) was solid and did a good job against their hitters but we just couldn't get the bats going. It's a tough way to end the season, but I am proud of the effort we gave in the game and throughout the season."
The Tigers looked as if they were going to have a great day at the plate. Junior leadoff hitter and All-Big 12 second team selection Sara Vassmer and All-Big 12 first team selection Melanie Fisher opened the game with two singles putting runners on first and second with one out. Sophomore All-Big 12 first team selection would come to bat and launch a drive deep to right field that looked like it would be McGinnis' eighth homerun of the season.However, ISU right fielder Kristen Shipley had other ideas as she made a great catch against the fence to keep the game scoreless.
ISU would score their run in the bottom of the second frame when catcher Katie Ruby launched a shot to left field on the first pitch of the inning. After that, Werner was outstanding giving up no more runs while scattering four hits. The Tiger defense was solid as they held Iowa State at bay with plays such as a sweet double play by senior Lindsey Jacoby in the sixth and a nice play moving to her right by freshman Heather Kunkel. Martinez and the Cyclone defense was just as impressive holding Mizzou scoreless the rest of the way to take a 1-0 win.
The Tigers did receive some good news on the day as junior Ingrid Werner was named to the Academic All-Big 12 team, Vassmer was named to the All-Big 12 second team and junior Melanie Fisher and sophomore Rachael McGinnis were named to the All-Big 12 first team. Mizzou wraps up the season at 29-33 and 4-14 in the Big 12 giving them a ninth place finish in the Big 12.