Mizzou posts series-clinching win over Florida in front of record-breaking crowd

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

For the second time in SEC play, No. 15 Mizzou Softball has captured a series win over a team ranked No. 9 or higher in the nation. The Tigers defeated No. 9 Florida 5-2 on Saturday afternoon with 3,607 fans in the stands, breaking Mizzou Softball Stadium's single game attendance record.

Larissa Anderson's crew has earned SEC series wins against all three conference opponents it has faced at home this season. Mizzou's SEC record now sits at 7-7 entering its series finale with the Gators.

After Florida put two runs on the scoreboard on a two-run home run from Jocelyn Erickson to start the game, Mizzou posted a four-run rally in the second inning. Jenna Laird scored two runs on a double to right field, and Alex Honnold and Maddie Gallagher each recorded an RBI on a double and single respectively. The Tigers extended their lead on Mya Dodge's fourth home run of the season to lead off the home half of the third inning, giving Mizzou a 5-2 advantage. In the final four frames of action, Mizzou's pitching staff held Florida to just two hits and did not allow another run to cross the plate.

Cierra Harrison earned the win in the circle, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out four batters in more than four innings of work. Taylor Pannell also secured her SEC-leading eighth save of the season after pitching a clean final frame to seal Mizzou's victory.

Collectively, the Tigers ended Saturday's action with 10 hits, including multi-hit performances from Laird and Rock Bridge alum Abby Hay. Laird also led the team with three hits and two RBIs in the contest.

Up next - The Tigers are hunting for their first SEC series sweep of the season on Sunday afternoon. Mizzou's series finale against Florida is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on April 14.