Feb. 20, 2004

Lafayette, Louisiana-In the first day of action at the Mardi Gras Classic Tournament, the Missouri softball team lost 4-0 to the Lions of Southeastern Louisiana University, followed with a 2-1 loss to the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin in the Ragin' Cajun's Softball Park.

Opening against Southeastern Louisiana at 9 a.m., the Lions scored the game winning run in the top of the sixth inning on a single by leftfielder Lisa Chapman. Driving in first baseman Becki De La Garza, the run capped off a four run inning by the Lions.

Missouri sophomore Samantha Fleeman started the game for the Tigers, pitching for seven strikeouts and three walks before freshman Erica Petersen came in to pitch relief in the top of the sixth inning

The Tigers had three hits in the game, two from junior shortstop Heather Kunkel and one from freshman centerfielder Leanne Bowers.

Competing in back-to-back games, the Tigers took on Stephen F. Austin but fell short of the win with a 2-1 loss to the Lumberjacks.

Junior Erin Kalka took to the mound for the Tigers, finishing the game with fourteen strikeouts bringing her season total to 54 and allowing only one walk during the game.

The Tigers got a triple from senior outfielder Morgan LeCluyse in the bottom of the sixth inning. She advanced home on a fielder's choice bringing the score to within one run (2-1).

With three Missouri hits in the game, freshman Leanne Bowers had a single in the bottom of the first inning, freshman Kathy Masterson had a single through the right side and senior right fielder Morgan LeCluyse took a triple to left field.

The winning play for the Lumberjacks came in the top of the first inning on a single to right field from centerfielder Carrie Woydziak driving in leftfielder Crystal Dahlquist taking the score 2-0.

The Tigers will be back on the field, Saturday at 3:45 p.m. (CT) facing off against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks for the second time of the tournament.