June 13, 2008

Columbia, Mo. - Closing out the 2008 campaign with a 47-17 record, the NCAA Regional Champion Missouri softball team finished the season ranked 16th in the nation by ESPN.com/USA Softball. The top-25 ranking is Missouri's third in five years and best end-of-the-season showing since the Tigers finished 15th in 1999.

Under the direction of second-year Head Coach Ehren Earleywine, the 20-member squad advanced to its first NCAA Super Regional in program history after winning its first NCAA Regional title in 14 years. The Tigers tied the program-high with 47 wins on the season and Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Rhea Taylor, became Missouri's first All-American since 2003.

As a team, the Tigers averaged .287 on the season, with 65 home runs and 139 stolen bases. Taylor led her teammates with a .402 average, while three Tigers, Andee Allen, Amanda Renth and Lindsey Ubrun all hit .300 or better. Renth, Missouri's power-hitter with a .741 slugging percentage, set a new single season home run record at 20, while Taylor's speed around the bases gave her the Big 12 and Missouri single season stolen bases record at 57.

Five members of the Tiger squad garnered All-Midwest Region honors, seniors Jen Bruck and Renth, as well as Allen, junior Stacy Delaney and Taylor. These five, as well as Ubrun, were all also awarded All-Big 12 accolades.