Seven-run second inning lifts Mizzou softball to in-state rivalry win

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mizzou softball team extended its winning streak over Missouri State to 11 games, on Tuesday night, with a 7-2 win over the Bears. With the victory, head coach Larissa Anderson and company improved to 20-18 overall in 2025

All it took was a big second inning at the dish and an absolute gem of a game from pitcher Cierra Harrison to get another mark in the win column.

Harrison was throwing lights out in rivalry action. The junior kept Missouri State scoreless through five innings and only allowed one hit, while punching out eight batters. She was just two strikeouts shy of matching her career-high of 10.

The Bears did manage to scratch a couple of runs across in the sixth inning, after Des Moines Area Community College transfer Courtney Donahue came in in relief for Harrison. Donahue only threw for 1.0 inning, but allowed two runs on two hits.

Nathalie Touchet was the final pitcher to see action against Missouri State. She pitched a clean seventh inning, just allowing one hit, and closing out the victory for Coach Anderson.

Mizzou only scored in the second inning, but boy did the group maximize that inning for themselves. The Tigers plated seven runs on three homers from Stefania Abruscato, Mya Dodge and Taylor Ebbs, as well as a two RBI double off the bat of Kayley Lenger. That home run knock from Dodge marked her first of the season.

Up next - Anderson and her team will host the No. 1 team in the nation for the second time this season. Texas will be in town for a three-game set, beginning on Friday, April 4. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.