May 9, 2008

The Missouri softball team is set to take on the Red Raiders of Texas Tech for the third time of the season in game four of the 13th annual Big 12 Softball Tournament. Beginning at 11:30 a.m. (CST) on the alternate field of ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla., the Tigers and Red Raiders look to stay alive and advance through the championship bracket of the single elimination tournament. Missouri enters the three-day tournament as the No. 3 seed, while Texas Tech stands at No. 6. Texas A&M (17-1) was crowned the 2008 Big 12 Champion and received the No. 1 seed, while Oklahoma (16-2), will compete as the No. 2 seed.

Missouri managed wins over Texas Tech in all three meetings this season, first besting the Red Raiders, 10-4, at the Lobo Invitational Feb. 23, in Albuquerque, N.M. The game did not count toward either school's Big 12 record. Hosting Texas Tech at home April 12 and 13, Missouri outscored the Red Raiders, 15-9, for the Tigers' 10th sweep of the season. Missouri owns a 22-13 lead over Texas Tech in a series that dates back to the 1981 campaign.

2008 marks the fourth time in the 13 year history of the Big 12 tournament that Missouri and Texas Tech will face one another in post-season play. In addition, this marks the third time in which both schools have opened Big 12 Tournament action against each other. Missouri has won all three of its meetings with Texas Tech, the first coming in 1999, by a score of 5-2.

Seniors Jen Bruck and Amanda Renth will be making their final appearance at the Big 12 Tournament. The two Tigers have combined for five All-Big 12 Conference honors and five Big 12 Player of the Week accolades. Bruck is a three-time All-Big 12 Tournament team member and looks to become Missouri's first four-time honoree. On the flip side, six Tigers will make their first Big 12 tournament showing including four freshmen. Of Missouri's four freshmen, Rhea Taylor owns the league's best overall batting average at .408 and conference average at .481.

Despite dominating several statistical categories, including runs scored (344), hits (438), RBI (306), triples (17), total bases (716), total plate appearances (1,758) and at bats (1,511), the Missouri softball team owns only the third best Big 12 batting average at .279. Missouri's pitching in conference games stands fifth best with the Tiger staff combining for a 3.44 ERA.