March 20, 2008

The Missouri softball team (28-7) will open Big 12 Conference play Friday, March 21, at 5:30 p.m. (CT) when they host the Cowgirls of Oklahoma State on University Field. The series concludes on Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m.. The league-opening series marks the first time that the Tigers have opened Big 12 play at home in seven years.

With last years' conference-opening win over Texas Tech, Missouri is 6-5 overall in Big 12 Conference openers. Although the Tigers have faced Big 12 South opponents in every series opener since 2001, this is the first time that Oklahoma State and Missouri have started the conference season against one another.

Missouri comes into conference play with five players hitting over.300, out-hitting their opponents by nearly 60 points (.287 to .223). The pitching of the Missouri hurlers has been crucial in the team's success this year, as the combination of Jen Bruck, Jana Hainey, and Stacy Delaney have combined for a 1.71 ERA. Coming off of a doubleheader split with Bradley, the Tigers will look to continue their success at home, where they have posted a 13-1 record on the season.

The weekend series is the last for the Tigers before they return to the road and play eight of their next 10 games on the road. Included in that roadtrip are key trips to Texas A&M and Oklahoma on back to back weekends.

Stay tuned to mutigers.com for more information on the Missouri softball team.