Missouri will open its conference season Saturday against Oklahoma.Missouri will open its conference season Saturday against Oklahoma.
Softball

Tigers Open Conference Season in Norman

March 23, 2006

After postponing midweek games against Missouri State and Southern Illinois, the Tigers return to play in their first Big 12 Conference showdown of the season beginning Saturday, March 25, at 1 p.m. (CST) against 15th-ranked Oklahoma on Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla. A two-game series, Missouri will take on the Sooners again Sunday, March 26, at Noon before traveling to sunny Las Vegas for three games against the UNLV Runnin' Rebels Monday and Tuesday, March 27 and 28.

The beginning of Spring Break for Missouri students, the Tigers hit the road Friday morning and play five games within a four day span. This marks the 73rd meeting between conference opponents Missouri and Oklahoma and sixth meeting with UNLV.

Currently on a three-game losing streak, Missouri (15-11) looks to bounce back with wins over Oklahoma. The Sooners were predicted to finish fourth in the league and own a 23-8-1 record entering the series. Over the past five years, the Tigers have only put up two wins against the Sooners, the most recent coming at the 2004 Big 12 Tournament in Oklahoma City when Missouri won the 13 inning game, 3-2, and advanced to the conference title game. Of the 22 games played in the past 10 years, the Tigers have dropped six games by one run and 10 by two or fewer.

Missouri's last game with the Runnin' Rebels came during the 2001 season at the Arizona State Tournament Feb. 10. Down 5-0 to UNLV, this is the Tiger's furthest trip West in two years (Missouri traveled to Los Angeles for the 2004 NCAA Regional Tournament). Two of Missouri's five games with the Runnin' Rebels have been decided in extra innings (1992) with both resulting in 1-0 losses.

Looking Ahead: Wrapping up spring break week, the Missouri softball team will host No. 19 Baylor in a two-game series April 1 and 2 at University Field. This will be the Tiger's second Big 12 opponent of the season and Missouri leads the Bears 19-12 in the all-time series.

Of Note: Missouri's game against Southern Illinois has been postponed until Tuesday, April 18 at 2 p.m.