June 9, 2009

Columbia, Mo. - The Missouri softball team concluded the 2009 campaign with an eighth place ranking, its highest showing ever in the end-of-season National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) poll. Missouri's previous best end-of-season ranking was 12th in 1997.

Wrapping up the year at the 28th annual Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla., the Tigers managed a 50-12 record that included wins against several of the nation's toughest opponents. In four months, Missouri met with seven of the final top-25 ranked squads turning in a 9-6 record against its ranked foes.

Averaging .313 on the year, six members of the Missouri softball squad turned in marks above .300. Sophomore Shana White (Columbia, Mo.) ended her second year with the Tigers batting .407 on the season, while teammate Rhea Taylor (Buford, Ga.) finished the year at a .404 clip.

In the circle, Missouri's four-person pitching staff worked its way to a 1.47 ERA. Freshman Kristin Nottelmann (Fenton, Mo.) owned the best individual ERA at 1.25 with an 11-2 record and three saves. Senior Stacy Delaney (Freeland, Mich.) was a close second with a 1.32 mark that included 134 strikeouts in 133 innings of work. Lefty Jana Hainey (Peculiar, Mo.) finished her junior season with a 1.64 ERA, while newcomer Chelsea Thomas (Pleasantville, Iowa) nabbed a 1.65 ERA that included a 16-7 record and 10 solo shutouts.

Seventeen members of the 2009 Tiger squad will return for the 2010 campaign. Among the group of 17 are two All-Americans, three All-Midwest Region selections, four All-Big 12 honorees and Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Chelsea Thomas.