On the second day of the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic, Mizzou softball did exactly what they did the day before: they went 2-0.
With a run-rule win over Liberty and a thrilling last-inning explosions against South Alabama, Mizzou improved to 4-0 on the season.
The day didn’t start on a high note, as Liberty threatened early in their afternoon contest. Rachel Roupe reached base on a single, then advanced to second on an error by Julia Crenshaw. The next batter, Sierra Kersten, ripped a single to left, and Roupe rounded third and headed for home. Unfortunately for Roupe, Chantice Phillips unleashed a frozen rupe to nail Roupe at the plate.
In the ensuing half-inning, Missouri drew first blood within two at-bats. After Jenna Laird led off the inning with a walk, Alex Honnold sent a high riseball high and far away. The ball snuck inside the foul pole in right and just over the fence to give Mizzou a 2-0 lead.
After Lauren Krings struck out the side in the top of the second, Mizzou quickly added on to their lead. Mya Dodge led off the inning with a walk, then stole second. Phillips then laid down a bunt that moved Dodge over to third (Phillips also made it safely to first), where she then waltzed home after a double from Maddie Gallagher. Two batters later, Madison Walker scored Phillips on a sacrifice fly to center field.