Larissa Anderson recaps team’s performance at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic

CLEARWATER, Fl. (KMIZ)

No. 23 Mizzou softball team went 3-2 to open at the season at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic with the Tigers biggest win coming against No. 8 Northwestern.

"I think what's most impressive is Jenna Laird's performance battling .500 out of the shoot," said head coach Larissa Anderson. "I thought our pitchers threw well. It's always tough the first time on dirt, in cleats and on an actual mound. Overall I think we have some things to work on, but very pleasantly happy with where we're at right now."

Anderson lost a group one eight seniors last season, which is why she says we're seeing some peaks and valleys to start this year with an inexperienced group.

"We played extremely well against Northwestern, which really set the standard and showed me what our potential is," Anderson said.

Freshman pitcher Cierra Harrison made her debut in Clearwater allowing just two hits in eight innings pitched. Anderson said the true freshman has, "the it factor."

"I can talk to her like an upper classmen in terms of scouting reports and the ability to be able to read things herself. There's not a lot of pitchers like her and I'm going to continue to rely on her,"Anderson said.

While there were bright spots for Mizzou, the first game of the season was an 11-1 loss against No. 6 Texas.

"We were a little bit back on our heels and defensively, I've never seen us make as many mistakes as we did," Anderson. "It's getting them that experience, but also the expectations and the level that we have to play at all the time."

Mizzou will stay in Florida to take on another ranked opponent in No. 18 UCF Wednesday at 5 p.m.