March 9, 2009

Columbia, Mo. - Missouri freshman Chelsea Thomas (Pleasantville, Iowa) was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Week as announced today by the league office. The accolade is the first of Thomas' career and marks Missouri's first Pitcher of the Week honor since 2005.

Thomas helped Missouri improve to 18-3 on the season after winning three of the Tigers' last six games. Pitching three complete games, Thomas threw back-to-back no hitters against Southeast Missouri State (8-0) and Missouri State (5-0) at the All-Missouri Breast Cancer Awareness Tournament held in Springfield, Mo. Through 19 innings of work, the freshman struck out 14, allowed three hits, four walks, and held opponents to a .052 batting average. Thomas recorded a 0.00 ERA on the week and stands at 0.77 on the year. Of her eight wins this season, seven have been by shutout and she has held her competition to a .138 batting average.

The last time Missouri recorded two or more no hitters in a single season came in 2005.

Thomas and the Tigers will host Northern Iowa in a single game Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 3 p.m. (CT) on University Field. Following the game, Missouri will travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for the Coastal Carolina Tournament, March 13-15.