@MizzouSoftball Set for SEC Road Finale, Visits No. 12 South Carolina

Mizzou Visits #12 South Carolina For SEC Road Finale
OPPONENT	LOCATION	DAY	TIME (CT)	WATCH	STATS
#12 South Carolina	Columbia, S.C.	Friday, April 20	4:30 p.m.	SEC Network	Stats
#12 South Carolina	Columbia, S.C.	Saturday, April 21	11 a.m.	SEC Network	Stats
#12 South Carolina	Columbia, S.C.	Sunday, April 22	11 a.m.	SEC Network +	Stats

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Softball looks to carry its recent momentum into this weekend's Southeastern Conference series at No. 12 South Carolina. The Tigers are entering the final stretch of the 2018 regular season, as only seven games remain on the schedule following this weekend's SEC series road finale.

Mizzou and South Carolina kick off their three-game series inside the Carolina Softball Stadium with a 4:30 p.m. CT first pitch Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday's matchups will both begin at 11 a.m. CT.

Friday's series opener and Saturday's contest will televise nationally on SEC Network with Mark Neely and Cheri Kempf on the call. Sunday afternoon's series finale will be available online on SEC Network + via WatchESPN.

#ShowMe Mizzou Game Notes

at #12 South Carolina (April 20-22)

Series History vs. South Carolina

Mizzou leads the all-time series over South Carolina, 8-5.
The two teams haven't met for an SEC series in two years, as the Gamecocks visited Mid-Missouri for a three-game set (May 6-8, 2016). Mizzou took the series with a win in the series opener and finale.
South Carolina had the leg up in the programs' last true meeting however, as it produced a comeback 7-4 victory in eight innings in the first round of the 2016 SEC Tournament (May 11, 2016).
The Tigers haven't visited Columbia, South Carolina, in three years (March 7-9, 2015). Mizzou tallied a series sweep, outscoring the Gamecocks, 21-5.

Tigers Record Two-Game Series Sweep vs. No. 8 Auburn

This past weekend (April 13-14), Mizzou clinched its first SEC series win in style, defeating No. 8 Auburn in back to back contests. Last Saturday started with the conclusion of Friday evening's suspended game and Mizzou facing a 4-1 deficit heading to its final at bat. Freshman Trenity Edwards delivered a game-tying pinch hit three-run home run, followed by a walk-off home run from Cayla Kessinger. Kessinger's two-out solo home run to left was her second of the game, marking her first career multi-home run contest.
In game two, freshman Lauren Rice took control in the circle and posted her seventh complete game this year. The Morrison, Illinois, native's gem marked her third complete game victory in SEC play this season.
It marked the Tigers' first series victory over a nationally ranked top 10 opponent since a season ago (March 31-April 2, 2017) against No. 9 Alabama.

Pierce Honored as SEC Player of the Week

Junior Rylee Pierce had a big role into the Tigers' success this past week and was recognized Tuesday (April 17) by the SEC with Week 10 Player of the Week honors. Over the team's recent three-game stretch, Pierce hit .625 (5-for-8) with two runs scored, two doubles, one home run and five RBI.
Tuesday's recognition marked Pierce's second career SEC Player of the Week honor. Her first accolade occurred after a sensational NCAA debut at the Citrus Classic (Feb. 15-21, 2016), as she hit .476 with 10 runs scored, 10 hits, two doubles, three home runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases.
In SEC only play this season, Pierce ranks tied for fifth in hits (17) and tied for ninth in total bases (26). Overall this year, her .484 on-base percentage (ninth), 10 doubles (tied for 10th) and 49 hits (tied for 11th) all rank among the conference's elite.

Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Softball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (University of Missouri Softball Team) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouSoftball).

Schedule