The Missouri softball team will open the fall portion of its six-game home schedule with a doubleheader set to begin at Noon against North Central Community College, Saturday, Sept. 27, on University Field. Game two against instate opponent Meramec will begin at approximately 2 p.m. (CT). Both games are open to the public and free of charge.
North Central Community College of Trenton, Mo., is led by Head Coach Max Mothersbaugh. Made up of six sophomores and 10 freshmen, the Lady Pirates have played six games this fall. Meramec finished its 2008 campaign with a 31-20 record and took third in their region. Returning All-Region players Megan Watkins and Lauren Cain are set to make their start in Saturday's game at catcher and pitcher, respectively.
Meramec, located in St. Louis, Mo., is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and is led by second-year Head Coach Linda McQueen. The Magic finished the 2008 campaign with a 13-30 record, with three players Lesley Kennedy, Alex Branstetter and Tabatha Bahre awarded All-Conference honors. Returning for Meramec are several key players including, pitcher/utility player Capri Savage, who also plays on the women's basketball team. Savage closed out her freshman season hitting .295 with 21 RBI and 16 runs scored. In addition third baseman Bahre, is back after batting .319 with 28 runs scored and 17 RBI as a freshman. Both teams will take on a tough opponent in Missouri. The Tigers are coming off of a 47-17 season in which they earned the title of NCAA Regional Champions for the first time in 14 years and advanced to an NCAA Super Regional tournament for the first time in program history.
Under the guidance of third-year Head Coach Ehren Earleywine, the Tigers averaged .287 on the season, with Big 12 Freshman of the Year Rhea Taylor leading the team with a .402 average. Taylor led the league in stolen bases 57, setting a new Big 12 Conference and Missouri single season record. Four freshmen are set to make their collegiate debut for Missouri on Saturday, Ashley Fleming, Kristin Nottelmann, Chelsea Thomas and Jaydee Young.