March 22, 2009

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Columbia, Mo. - Splitting its Big 12 opener with Texas, the 13th-ranked Missouri softball team (26-4, 1-1) used key home runs from redshirt junior Gina Schneider (Liberty, Mo.) and senior Lindsey Ubrun (Riverside, Calif.) to win the afternoon game, 11-6, on University Field. Junior pitcher Jana Hainey (Peculiar, Mo.) and freshman righty Kristin Nottelmann (Fenton, Mo.) aided in shutting down the Longhorn offense, forcing 12 flyouts and seven groundouts. Nottelmann was awarded the win and improves to 6-0 on the year.

Following a 27 minute rain delay in the first, Missouri erased Texas' one run lead on Schneider's second home run of the season. After leadoff batter Rhea Taylor (Buford, Ga.) reached base on balls, Schneider powered a hard hit homer over the wall in centerfield, putting the Tigers ahead of the Longhorns in the bottom of the first frame. Schneider recorded three RBI on the day, including a third inning two out RBI single to centerfield.

Texas scored four runs in the top of the second to pull within one run of Missouri, but Ubrun helped the Tigers extend their lead with her three run, two out home run over the centerfield wall in the bottom half of the inning. Ubrun, Missouri's starting third baseman, drove in cleanup hitter Marla Schweisberger (Raytown, Mo.) and Andee Allen (Barnhart, Mo.) after each reached base on back-to-back singles. Ubrun was credited with four RBI in the game and fell a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.

As a team, Missouri tallied 12 hits, including five extra base knocks. Junior Julie Silver (Chesterfield, Mo.) served as the Tiger's designated player and ripped a two run single to centerfield in the first inning as well as a two out, RBI double in the fourth.

Texas used three pitchers against Missouri's potent offense, but struck out only three Tiger batters.

Missouri will travel to the state of Texas for the week of spring break. The Tigers will first meet with Houston in a two-game series beginning Tuesday, March 24, at 5 p.m. (CT). Game two will be played Wednesday, March 25, at 3 p.m. (CT). Big 12 play will resume for Missouri on Saturday, March 28, when the Tigers take on Baylor in Waco, Texas, at 2 p.m. (CT) followed by a Noon contest on Sunday, March 29.