Feb. 6, 2004

The Missouri softball team opened the season with a win over Appalachian State (1-0) at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Fla. Scoreless entering the bottom of the seventh inning, sophomore Kendra Power (third base) scored a run off of a hit by catcher Kathy Masterson. Sophomore pitcher Samantha Fleeman opened and closed the game for the Tigers, taking the first win of the 2004 season, and allowing only three hits in seven innings with 10 strikeouts and two walks.

Four Tigers managed hits during the one hour and 36 minute game. Freshman Sarah Stringer grabbed the first with a single down the left field line in the third inning, followed with a single by freshman outfielder Leanne Bowers in the sixth. Both senior Morgan LeCluyse (outfield) and Masterson took a hit in the seventh, with Masterson's single to center field providing the game winning run by Power.

"The team really worked through their nervousness in the first game," head coach Ty Singleton said. "By the end of the game they were hitting harder and Kathy was able to find what she needed to bring home the game winning run."

Bowers and LeCluyse managed a total of three stolen bases during the game, with Bowers taking two.

Missouri will play its second game of the tournament against SEC conference member Arkansas at 1:30 p.m. (CT) at Santa Fe Community College. Livestats are available at gatorzone.com