March 31, 2005
Ranked 16th-in the nation, the Tiger softball team lost a 2-1 game to Southern Illinois at Charlotte West Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. Missouri falls to 27-4 on the season, while SIU improves to 25-8.
For the 23rd time of the season, Missouri notched the first run of the game. Junior Janessa Roening (Port Angeles, Wash.) advanced home from second base off of a two-out single to centerfield by sophomore catcher Kathy Masterson (St. Louis, Mo.). Roening walked to first with one out on the board, taking second on a ground out by senior Heather Kunkel (Oak Forest, Ill.).
The Salukis answered MU's one run half-inning and pulled ahead with two runs to close out the second with the lead. SIU leadoff hitter Kelly Creek reached first after being hit by pitch and ran home on a two-out double by Maria Damico while Damico took third on the throw from outfield. Damico ran home for the game-winning run when catcher Amanda Clifton singled to right field. The inning wrapped after Becky Wegmann struckout swinging.
Sophomore pitcher Erica Peterson (Irving, Texas) opened the game for Missouri and tossed 3.2 innings of work. The lefty fanned eight batters but gave up three hits before being relieved by senior Chandler, Okla., native Erin Kalka. From her time on the mound, Kalka faced nine batters and gave up two hits.
After a day of rest, the Tiger softball team will return to Big 12 Conference action, Saturday, April 2, in a 2 p.m. (CT), game against No. 9 Oklahoma at home on University Field, wrapping up the two-game series, Saturday, April 3, at Noon.