Mizzou Softball Looks To Get Back on Track in Classic
3/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 7, 2002
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Mizzou Softball Looks To Get Back on Track in Classic
The University of Missouri softball looks to get back on the winning track this weekend as they host the Missouri Classic at University Field. The three-day event is scheduled to begin on Fri., Mar. 8 at noon and will finish up with the Tigers taking on Drake at 4 pm on Sun., Mar. 10. The Tigers welcome Columbia University, the University of Louisville and Drake University to Columbia, where the Tigers have posted a 2-2 mark so far in 2002.
A Look at the Lions
The Lions enter the Classic having not yet played a game in 2002. Columbia went 26-25 in 2001 and 4-10 in the Ivy League under the tutelage of now third-year head coach Christine Vogt. The Tigers have never faced the Lions and have only faced one team from the Ivy league which was Harvard.
A Look at the Cardinals
The Cardinals split a double header on Wednesday night against Evansville (who the Tigers will face in a double header on Mar. 14 in Evansville, Indiana). U of L currently sports a 6-10 record including a 1-4 mark against teams that are ranked or are receiving votes in this weeks USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll. Sandy Pearsall is in her third year at Louisville as head coach. The Cardinals hold a 1-0 lead in the all-time series.
A Look at the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are currently 0-12 on the season as they head into action at the Missouri Classic. The Bulldogs are led by Brook Buchanan, who is hitting .344 with a double and a triple. Drake is coached by Emily Rottinghaus, who is in her third year at the helm for DU. The Tigers lead the all-time series with the Bulldogs, 10-2.
The Missouri Classic
Tournament #5 * Mar. 8-10, 2002 * Columbia, Mo.
Opponents: Missouri (7-13 overall, 0-0 in the Big 12)
Columbia (0-0 overall, 0-0 in the Ivy League)
Louisville (6-10 overall, 0-0 in in Conference USA)
Drake (0-12 overall, 0-0 in the Missouri Valley)
Start Times: Mar. 8
Drake vs. Louisville-Noon
Drake vs. Columbia-2 pm
Missouri vs. Columbia-4 pm
Missouri vs. Louisville-6 pm
Mar. 9
Louisville vs. Columbia-Noon
Louisville vs. Drake-2 pm
Missouri vs. Drake-4 pm
Missouri vs. Columbia-6 pm
Mar. 10
Columbia vs. Drake-10 am
Columbia vs. Louisville-Noon
Missouri vs. Louisville-2 pm
Missouri vs. Drake-4 pm
Radio Info: All Missouri games can be heard on 88.1 KCOU or at www.mutigers.com
Series Info: MU vs. Columbia-First Meeting
MU vs. Louisville-Louisville leads, 1-0
MU vs. Drake-Missouri leads, 10-2
Coaches:
Missouri: Jay Miller (Illinois State '78) 535-289 at MU (15th year)
685-395 overall (20th year).
Columbia: Christine Vogt (Harvard '94) 39-43-2 at CU (3rd year)
39-43-2 overall (3rd year)
Louisville: Sandy Pearsall (Oregon State '83) 82-62 at UL (3rd year)
332-398 overall (16th year)
Drake Emily Rottinghaus (Central College '94) 41-79-1 at DU (3rd year)
96-150 overall (6th year)
The Back Up Plan
Just in case mother nature gets crabby again this weekend, please find a the altered schedule of games below. In case of poor weather, all games will be played in Devine Pavillion, located on the west side of Providence Road across from Faurot Field. If a move inside is needed, it will be posted on www.mutigers.com each morning and will be announced via a press release.
Revised Schedule if Indoors Fri. 5 pm-MU vs. Columbia U. 7 pm-Drake vs. LouisvilleSat. Noon-Louisville vs. Columbia 2 pm-Louisville vs. Drake 4 pm-Missouri vs. Drake 6 pm-Missouri vs. Columbia
Sun. 10 am-Columbia vs. Drake Noon-Columbia vs. Louisville 2 pm-Missouri vs. Louisville 4 pm-Missouri vs. Drake
Flournoy Kept the Wolverines Wondering
Freshman pitcher Veronica Flournoy definitely picked a great time to have the best outing of her career. Last Saturday, the Queen City, Ariz. native gave up only one run on four hits while striking out four in 5 2/3 innings of work against then No. 12 Michigan. Junior Ingrid Werner came and put the finishing touches on the game picking up her first save of the season as the Tigers took the win, 2-1.
Putting the 'ger' in Swinger
Its beginning to be the rule far more than the exception to it. Sophomore Rachael McGinnis is going to hit the ball, and chances are, it will be hit hard. This past weekend was a prime example of the spectacle that is a McGinnis at bat. She went 8-for-16 (.500) with two doubles, two home runs, nine RBI, 16 total bases, a 1.000 slugging percentage while scoring three runs. McGinnis also showcased great patience at the plate recording a team-best four walks, a category in which she ranks second on the team overall.
Miller Looks To Join the 700 Club
Head coach Jay Miller is the all-time winningest coach in MU softball history with 535 career wins. Coach Miller was honored last season for his 500th win at Mizzou on Feb. 18 when the Tigers grabbed a 2-1 win over Northern Illinois.
Miller now has a very good shot to pass yet another milestone this season. With just 15 more wins, he will have registered the 700th win of his 20 year career. Coincidentally, when Miller does earn his 700th, it will also be his 550th win at Mizzou.
Last time
McGinnis has Monster Day but Tigers Struggle in Final Day of Strawberry Cup
Plant City, Fla.- The University of Missouri softball team dropped its final two games of the Strawberry Cup on Sunday. Mizzou held leads in both games, but came up short first to Michigan State, 8-6, and then to Ohio, 5-3.
Missouri would come out on fire in the opening game of the day against Michigan State taking a 6-0 lead through the fifth inning on the strength of two home runs by sophomore Rachael McGinnis and a solo shot by senior Lindsey Jacoby. The proverbial wheels would fall off from that point on, however, as Mizzou would allow the Spartans to plate five unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth and three unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 8-6 lead which they would not relinquish holding Mizzou scoreless in the final four innings. The Tigers struggled in the field committing four errors, which led to all eight Michigan State runs. Junior Ingrid Werner (3-4) took the loss for Mizzou despite working 4 2/3 innings giving up only five hits and no earned runs.
In Game 2 of the day, the Tigers would fall behind 2-0 in the top of the first inning against Ohio, but would tie the game with two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. Both teams would post zeros on the scoreboard until the bottom of the fifth when senior right fielder Heather Allister smashed a double down the right field line that scored junior Sara Vassmer giving the Tigers a 3-2 lead. However, the Bobcats would respond with three runs of their own in the top of the sixth taking a 5-3 lead. Mizzou had no answer to the Bobcat outburst despite having the tying run at the plate in each of the next two innings.
This Just in From the Department of the Obvious
At risk of sounding like a complete moron, I would like to present the following note. The University of Missouri softball teams wins when it scores runs and loses when they struggle at the plate. First, the good news. Mizzou is averaging 4.7 runs per game and is limiting their opponents to 1.6 runs per game in contests that they win. Conversely, the Tigers are allowing opponents to score 4.5 runs per losing contest while plating only 2.1 runs per. Thanks for bearing with me on that one.
It Just Keeps on Getting Better Man
The Tigers have faced six ranked opponents and are 3-4 against those opponents. And the fun has just begun. Mizzou will face five more opponents in 2002 that are currently either ranked in the top 25 or are receiving votes in the latest USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll, which was released on Wednesday.
If You Smell, What the Rock, Is Cooking.
Sophomore Rachael McGinnis, who head coach Jay Miller referred to as the "rock" of the Tigers line up has been all that and a bag of Wavy Lays (or really good in laymans terms) for Mizzou early in the season. The native of Overland Park, Kan., is off to an All-American like start recording a team-best .448 batting average on 26 hits, five doubles, two triples, four home runs and 47 total bases. McGinnis has also been solid in the field recording only two errors in 77 chances good for a .975 fielding percentage.
A Feel-Good Kind of Fall
The Tigers were...well... perfect during their fall schedule. Mizzou recorded a sparkling 12-0 mark. Mizzou was outstanding at the plate hitting .356 at the plate while outscoring their opponents, 90-14. MU knocked the cover off of the ball recording an amazing .502 slugging percentage while collecting 158 total bases. The Tiger pitching staff was also very tough limiting opponents to a .156 batting average while registering a 0.76 cumulative ERA.
California Glove
Junior Ingrid Werner, who is from Fremont, Calif., pitched only the seventh perfect game in Missouri softball history last Sunday against Rhode Island. The last perfect game by Missouri was on April 26, 1991, when Karen Snelgrove was perfect against UMKC. While Werner's pitching prowess was remarkable on Sunday, her fielding was the key to her perfecto. Of the 15 batters Werner faced, four of them grounded out to the pitcher, one of them lined out to the pitcher and Werner struck out one in the Tigers five-inning conquest over the Rams.
Miller Contributes to The Softball Coaches Bible
Tiger softball head coach Jay Miller is considered by many to be one of the best groomers of outstanding fast pitch softball pitchers in the world. However, in Miller's contribution to The Softball Coaches Bible, the new book published by the NFCA, Miller deals with what is another trademark of his program, an aggressive run-producing offense. The book features contributions from the best coaches in America dealing with everything from making a great power hitter to drawing more fans to the ball park.
MUTIGERS.COM
Missouri's official web site can be found at www.mutigers.com. The comprehensive site, which includes releases, photos, biographical sketches and audio broadcasts, is part of the FANSonly Network. FANSonly currently hosts sites for more than 100 universities, including eight Big 12 schools.
Tigers on the Radio
Tiger softball can be heard throughout the season on two different radio stations. KCOU 88.1 FM will broadcast this weekends Missouri Classic (Mar. 8-10) and the Missouri Invitational (Mar. 15-17). 1580 KTGR AM will then take the reins and cover the remainder of the Tigers schedule starting with the Tigers March 19 matchup with Connecticut.
All Tiger softball games can also be heard at the official web site of Missouri Athletics, www.mutigers.com. Once at the site, go to the softball page, click on the schedules and results section of the page, scroll down to the desired game link, and click on the live broadcast link.
Mizzou Softball Finds Success in Caribbean
Curacao, NA-With the 2002 softball season quickly approaching, the University of Missouri softball team had the opportunity to prepare in a very unique way. The Tigers traveled to the island of Curacao from Jan. 10-17 to train and compete with the Netherlands Antilles National Team. Curacao is an island located 50 miles north of Venezuela.
The Tigers finish action in the Caribbean at 3-1. MU came from behind in two of the wins. One run decided three of the four games in the series and two of Mizzou's wins came in the final inning of the game.
The Tigers played in front of large crowds throughout the trip. The team embraced the opportunity to experience a different culture and also developed a stronger sense of unity. Their hosts were warm, friendly people and treated them very well.
Tiger Softball Wraps Up 2002 Recruiting Class
Mizzou signs four of the top recruits in the state Missouri Columbia, Mo.-University of Missouri softball coach Jay Miller announced the four members of the Tiger softball 2002 recruiting class on Wed., Nov. 21. Kendra Power (Kansas City, Mo.), Samantha Fleeman (Pleasant Hill, Mo.), Devon Francy (Pleasant Hill, Mo.) and Stephanie Standley (Lamar, Mo.) make up the class.
Power (2B/SS) will help sure up the Tiger middle infield for the 2002-03 season. A versatile player who can play both second base and short stop, Power was a member of the Park Hill South squad that reached the final four this fall in Class 4A. Power was named to the State All-Tournament team and also was a member of the "KC Lasers" summer traveling team that finished in the top 16 at the ASA Gold Nationals. Miller said that Power is a complete player and will make things happen in the Tiger line up.
Fleeman (P/1B) was considered by many to be the best pitcher in Missouri this year. She will also play first base for the Tigers. Fleeman was a vital member of two Pleasant Hill State Championship teams during her time at PHHS and set the Missouri high school record for strikeouts in a game with 44 in the State Final Championship game that lasted a record 21 innings this past fall. Fleeman was featured in the Nov. 19 issue of Sports Illustrated in recognition of her record, setting outing in the "Faces in the Crowd" section.
She sported a 22-0 record last season and allowed opponents to hit only 0.96 against her. For her efforts, she was selected to the Missouri All-State squad. Fleeman is also a member of the "KC Shockwaves" summer traveling team, that finished second in the nation at last summer's ASA National Tournament.
Francy (C/OF) was Fleeman's catcher at Pleasant Hill. She was one of the top hitters on the Pleasant Hill squad, which won two state championships and was a two-time all-state selection. Francy drove in the game-winning run in the 21st inning of the Missouri State Championship game, the same game in which her teammate, Fleeman set the single-game strikeout record. She was also a member of the "KC Shockwaves" summer traveling team.
Standley (OF/Middle Inf.) will also provide depth and versatility for the Tigers. Her ability to play multiple positions will be key for the Tigers as they look to solidify their lineup. She was named first team All-Big 8, all-district, all-sectional and all-state this past fall. She also is a pole vaulter and plays basketball at Lamar High School.
Three Tigers Named All-American Scholar Athletes
Columbia, Mo.-Three members of the 2001 Missouri Softball team were named All-American Scholar Athletes by the National Fast Pitch Softball Coaches Association on Tuesday. Karen Williams, Stephanie Falk and Ingrid Werner each were named for the second time in their careers.
Williams, who completed her eligibility with the 2001 season, was also named NFCA All-American following last season. She is only the second player in Missouri softball history to be named to both teams in the same season, the other being Karen Snelgrove in 1991. Williams led the Tigers in batting average (.429, the ninth-highest average in the nation last season) and stolen bases (24) in 2001. Falk, who also completed her eligibility in 2001, was one of the most prolific pitchers in MU history. She holds the MU record for innings pitched (1006.1), games started (144) and appearances (176) and ranks second on the charts in strikeouts (865), complete games (117) and career wins (89).
Werner is the elder member of the 2002 pitching staff as a junior and looks to continue her success. She has been named to the NFCA Academic All-American squad each of her fist two years at MU. The native of Fremont, Calif., was also named Academic All-Big 12 and received Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors for week of February 22. She carried a 1.63 ERA through the Tigers fall season and 11 runs in 34.1 innings of work
