May 15, 2004
Oklahoma City, Okla. - Playing in the Big 12 Softball Championship game for the first time since 1997, the Missouri softball team lost to regular-season champion No. 13 Nebraska 1-0 to finish second at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla. Two Tigers were named to the Big 12 All-Tournament team, senior outfielder Morgan LeCluyse and freshman pitcher Erica Peterson.
Freshman Leanne Bowers got things started strong for the Tigers, driving a double to left field on the first pitch of the game off of right-handed Player-of-the-Year and Big 12 All-Tournament MVP Peaches James. Her eighth double of the season, Bowers advanced to third on a throw, but was left on base after LeCluyse and freshman designated played A.J. White struck out swinging.
Nebraska scored the first run of the game, as Husker ace James, advanced to first on an error, stole second and touched third and home off of a double by shortstop Devin Porter. Although unearned, the run was enough to put Nebraska up 1-0, where they stayed through the remainder of the game.
Junior pitcher Erin Kalka (Chandler, Okla.) etched her name in the Missouri softball history books, tying a 22-year old school record for most strikeouts in a season. Previously set in 1982 by Teresa Wilson, Kalka struckout designated player Carmen Kier for the record-tying 281 count.
Left-handed pitcher Peterson returned to the mound for her third Big 12 Softball Conference tournament game of the weekend. Totalling five strikeouts on the day, Peterson helped speed up the bottom of the fifth inning with back-to-back strikeouts. Playing excellent outfield defense, Bowers caught a line drive hit off the bat of first baseman Jamie Waldecker.
Sophomore Kendra Power made a notable diving save in the sixth inning to help close down the Huskers. Stretching for a pop up off of right fielder Liz Lawhorn. Missouri opened the inning with Peterson striking out James and followed with two balls caught in foul territory by Power.
The second place finish by Missouri is their second highest showing at a Big 12 tournament. Missouri is now 1-1 in Big 12 Championship games.
Nebraska's 1-0 win was their third Big 12 Softball Tournament Championship title and ties them with Texas for most Big 12 titles. Nebraska's first title came in 1998 followed with a win in 2000. All three victories came under Head Coach Rhonda Revelle.
The Missouri softball team will host a NCAA Regional selection watch party beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, in the men's basketball lounge. Eight schools will host NCAA Regional Championships including Baylor, Nebraska, Stanford, UCLA, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan and Arizona.