Oct. 15, 2007
Columbia, Mo. -The Missouri softball team wrapped up the fall portion of its schedule with back-to-back wins Saturday afternoon in the Dan Devin Pavilion. Forced inside because of heavy rain, the Tigers took down Johnson County Community College, 11-3, and followed with a 3-2 victory over North Central Community College.
Missouri's victory over Johnson County Community College marks the Tigers' fourth straight fall season in which they have defeated the Cavaliers. Senior pitcher Jen Bruck (St. Peters, Mo.) threw all of game one, striking out nine batters and allowing only three runs on three hits. Offensively, Bruck along with seniors Amanda Renth (Mascoutah, Ill.) and Micaela Minner (Sanger, Texas), all had multiple hits.
Leading off for the Tigers in game one was newcomer Rhea Taylor (Buford, Ga.). Taylor led the team in on-base percentage and set the tone for the offense.
Junior transfer Stacy Delaney (Freeland, Mich.) hurled all seven innings of game two. A newcomer to the Tiger team, Delaney struck out 13 batters and held the Golden Eagles to only three walks. Both of North Central's runs came across unearned after the Tigers allowed two passed balls and were credited with two errors in the first inning.
Behind the plate, freshman Lisa Simmons (Boonville, Mo.) entered at catcher in the second inning, throwing out two baserunners and credited by her coaches for recording a strong defensive game.
In the end, it was freshman Katy Koontz (Chesterfield, Mo.) that drove in the game-winning run with a seventh inning single.
"I liked our offense in game one as well as our enthusiasm," Missouri Head Coach Ehren Earleywine said. "I was disappointed with both of those in game two. Something that I have to remind myself of is that we are playing everyone in these fall games and it's not a true image of what the starting nine will look like this spring. It's important though that I get those looks now to see who can help us down the road. Once we get a line-up and some consistency, this team will be very competitive."
In other news, Earleywine announced today that the Tigers will hold an alumni softball game Saturday, Oct. 20 one hour after the conclusion of Missouri's 2:30 p.m. (CT) football game against Texas Tech. Former alums interested in playing in the afternoon game should contact assistant coach Mark Redburn at redburnm@missouri.edu or 573-882-6840.