May 1, 2009
The Missouri softball team will host Big 12 opponent Nebraska in its final two games of the 2009 regular season campaign. Tiger fans are encouraged to wear gold and cheer on their 14th-ranked team as they look for their 42nd win of the year on Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m. (CT) on University Field. Immediately following the game, the Tigers will recognize their five person senior class. Game two of the final league series of the year will begin Sunday, May 3, at Noon. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
The 2009 season marks the seventh straight year in which Missouri and Nebraska have closed out their campaign against each other. Nebraska holds the lead in the 30 year old series, 46-27.
A trio of sophomores, Shana White, Marla Schweisberger and Rhea Taylor lead their squad with batting averages above .400. White, who has started in 23 of Missouri's games this season, is averaging .449 on the year. Schweisberger, Missouri's resident first baseman, has come on strong, with 50 hits, eight marked as doubles and seven as home runs. Schweisberger continues to lead her teammates in the RBI category with 43. The Missouri single season record for RBI was set in 1995 by former Tiger great Mary Babb. With 64 RBI, Babb set a record that has withstood the test of time. Three former Missouri players, Michele Phalen, Barb Wright and recent graduate Jen Bruck all stand tied for 10th in the RBI record book with 44. Schweisberger needs a single RBI to move to ninth in the standings and 15 to crack the top five.
Rounding out the above .400 averages is 2008 All-American Rhea Taylor. Taylor with a .410 mark has bat leadoff in 38 of Missouri's 49 games this year. Taylor averages .567 in the leadoff position and has reached base 34 times in 60 opportunities. Additionally, Taylor continues to stay aggressive on the base paths and is 28-of-31 on stolen bases. As a sophomore, Taylor has etched her name in the career stolen bases record book with 85 stolen bags. The record puts Taylor at third in the books and 25 stolen bases away from tying the No. 1 spot currently held by 1989 graduate Julie Link (110).
For five seniors, Andee Allen, Stacy Delaney, Katie Milles, Micaela Minner and Lindsey Ubrun, this could be their last two games on University Field. The NCAA Regional Selection show set for Sunday, May 10, at 9 p.m. (CT) could potentially extend this senior classes playing time in Columbia. Until then, the class will take the field one last time in regular season play on Sunday at Noon.