Feb. 8, 2008
Miami, Fla. - The Missouri softball team suffered a 2-0 season-opening loss to No. 15 Virginia Tech in the Tiger's first game of the Florida International University (FIU) Invitational at University Park in Miami, Fla. Junior pitcher Stacy Delaney (Freeland, Mich.) held the Hokies scoreless through three innings, struck out four batters and left eight Tech players on base during her six innings of work in the circle.
Two-time All-American Virginia Tech ace Angela Tincher shut down Missouri's offense allowing only two hits in the game, both singles by freshman centerfielder Rhea Taylor (Buford, Ga.). Batting leadoff, Taylor opened the first inning with a single to third base and later connected for a two-out bunt single in the third. Taylor had two stolen bases on the day, as did Tiger leftfielder Julie Siver (Chesterfield, Mo.) and sophomore pinch runner Michaele Vock (Morrison, Ill.). Last season it took the Tigers five games before totaling six stolen bases.
"Angela (Tincher) was dominating today and that was really the story of the game," Missouri Head Coach Ehren Earleywine said. "We had an opportunity to score in the first inning with runners on first and second and no outs, but Angela managed to work her way out of the inning, which is something great pitchers are able to do. We were just overmatched for our first game."
Following Taylor's leadoff single in the first, Tincher walked Silver bringing senior first baseman Amanda Renth (Mascoutah, Ill.) to the plate. Renth struck out swinging but not before Taylor and Silver were able to steal third and second, respectively. Taylor was tagged out at home on a throw from Tech shortstop Misty Hall, while Silver was left on base after junior Lindsey Ubrun (Riverside, Calif.) struckout looking. Tincher struck out 15 Tiger batters in the two hour and five minute game.
Virginia Tech scored its first run in the fourth inning, with catcher Kelsey Hoffman scoring on Caroline Stole's two out single down the left field line. The Hokie's second run of the game came off of Hall's sixth inning home run.
Missouri will take on host school FIU in its second game of the day, set to begin at 7 p.m. (CT).