MU softball not happy with split

But after a 6-4 loss to Iowa State and a 6-4 squeaker win over Tennessee-Martin, negative words best describe the Tigers’ play in the Missouri Round Robin.

"It was ugly, plain and simple," said MU pitcher Stephanie Falk, who fell to 6-8 with the extra-inning loss against the Cyclones.

"It was a poor day," Tiger coach Jay Miller said. "A very poor day all around."

MU (8-14) had the chance to seal the victory against ISU but failed to score in the last four innings of regulation.

The Tigers held a 2-1 lead after the third inning, but ISU catcher Mindy Ogan’s RBI-single tied the score in the bottom of the sixth.

"It was disappointing because they are in our conference," said Tiger centerfielder Karen Williams. "We were playing real timid. Instead of attacking, we’re sitting around on our heels waiting to see what happens."

In the top of the eighth, Iowa State’s bats were no longer dormant.

The Cyclones scored four runs - including two coming off a throwing error by Falk, one of five Tiger errors in the game - giving the Cyclones (4-7) a commanding 6-2 lead.

RBI hits by Williams and Kristen Burke drove in two runs in the bottom of the inning but it wasn’t enough.

In the second game, the Tigers again struggled and allowed a 1-16 Tennessee-Martin team to hang close and eventually tie the score 4-4 in the top of the sixth. But Tiger rightfielder Heather Allister spoiled the UTM comeback with a two-RBI single in the bottom of the inning.

"I doubt I’m a hero," said Allister, who had three hits on the day. "I’ve been waiting a while for a hit like that.

"We have to get that extra something to push us over to get more wins.

MU got an RBI double from Rachel McGinnis and a two-run home run from catcher Melanie Fisher to take an early 3-0 lead.

But the Skyhawks responded with a two-run shot from Courtney Wilson.

- José Alfredo Flores
● COUGARS WIN, LOSE: The Columbia Cougars split their first two games at the Union University Tournament in Tennessee to advance to single-elimination competition.
The Cougars opened play with a 3-0 win over Bellevue, Neb., Columbia scored all of its runs in the second inning on an Amy Seipp RBI single and an Amanda Rhorer two-run homer.
Jayne Miller (2-1) struck out eight in a complete game one-hitter.
In game two, the Cougars lost to Spring Hill College, Ala., 2-1. Anna Seipp drove in the lone Columbia run with a bases loaded single in the seventh.
Renea Vest (2-1) took the loss.
Columbia (4-2) plays Union today at 10 a.m.

Missouri Baseball
Missouri continues to struggle in Big 12 play. The Tigers fell 7-4 at Kansas yesterday to fall to 1-6 in the conference.
Down 4-0 in the top of the sixth, Missouri (5-8-1) tied the ballgame with a four-run outburst. Mick Weiss, Kurt Propst, and Luke Cassis all had RBI-singles in the inning and Ryan Stegall scored on an error before the Tigers stranded the bases loaded.
Kansas answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to seal the win.
Stegall led Missouri with three hits. Weiss had a pair of singles and extended his hitting streak to nine games.
Drew Endicott (1-3) allowed 10 hits and all seven KU runs, all earned to take the loss.

The Tigers host the Jayhawks (8-7, 2-5) today at 3 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m.