Feb. 1, 2003

The Missouri Tiger softball team opened up the 2003 season with the Black and Gold game on Saturday in the Devine Pavilion. Over 150 fans were in attendance for the intersquad scrimmage.

The roster was divided up into three teams for the game, which finished with each team scoring one run in the three innings of play. The MU pitchers were impressive led by sophomore Erin Kalka, who gave up no hits and no earned runs, while striking out three batters.

Senior Ingrid Werner gave up only one hit and one run while also striking out three. Freshman Samantha Fleeman awarded only one run on one hit and struck out one batter.

The two big hits of the day came off the bats of sophomore Heather Kunkel and freshman Morgan Kent. Kunkel recorded the game's first hit with a two-out triple in the second inning. She later scored the only run of the game for the Gold team. Kent had a leadoff homerun in the second inning for the White team. Kendra Power scored the Black team's lone run. After walking, she took second on a pass ball and stole third base. Power scored on a sacrifice by Fleeman.

The Tigers will open up the regular season on Friday in the Auburn Invitational in Auburn, Ala. Missouri will play Mercer on Friday at 11 a.m. to open up tournament play. The first home action for Mizzou will be on March 12 when Pittsburg State takes on the Tigers.