MU sweeps doubleheader, posts perfect record in Mizzou Invitational
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
MU Softball has completed a flawless run in the Mizzou Invitational.
The Tigers (15-13) defeated all four of its invitational opponents, including a 7-3 win over Michigan (20-8) and a 7-1 victory over Quinnipiac (4-12) on the final day of competition. During the three-day event, Mizzou outscored its opponents by a 30-9 margin, recording at least seven runs in all four games.
After allowing a first-inning home run to Michigan's Jenissa Conway in game one, Marissa McCann settled into the circle, pitching a complete game and giving up just two earned runs on four hits with six strikeouts to earn the win.
MU trailed Michigan for only half-an-inning on Saturday morning. Kara Daly scored three runs in the home half of the first frame with her fifth home run of the campaign, putting the Tigers ahead 3-1. Abby Hay brought home all four of MU's remaining runs, courtesy of a two-RBI double and two-run home run as part of her two-hit, 4-RBI performance. Hay's fifth inning home run was her third of the season.
Stefania Abruscato and Madison Walker also had multi-hit efforts against the Wolverines, finishing with two singles each.
Mizzou started the nightcap of its doubleheader by driving home seven unanswered runs against Quinnipiac, highlighted by a trio of home runs. After Daly sparked a three-run first inning with a two-RBI double, Julia Crenshaw (8), Taylor Ebbs (4) and Madison Walker (12) each hit home runs in consecutive frames to extend MU's lead to 7-0. Walker's 12 home runs currently lead the team.
Seven of Mizzou's nine starters posted at least one hit in the contest, guided by a two-hit performance at the plate from Daly.
Cierra Harrison tossed five innings to be awarded the win, allowing just one earned run on three hits while striking out eight batters, her second-best strikeout total of the year. Courtney Donahue also pitched two clean frames out of the bullpen, giving up zero hits with three strikeouts.
Up next - Mizzou is scheduled to make up its postponed midweek matchup with UMKC on Sunday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m.
