Mizzou softball ended their weekend on a strong note by coming back from a 4-0 deficit to defeat No. 22/19 Duke 5-4 at the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational. With this win, the Tigers improved their record to 4-7 and are now on a two-game winning streak.
Duke got off to an aggressive start, scoring three runs in the first inning. They followed up with a solo home run in the second, pushing their lead to 4-0. Mizzou’s junior pitcher, Marissa McCann, struggled early and was replaced after allowing four runs in just over an inning.
Things changed when junior Nathalie Touchet took over. She struck out two and held off Duke’s scoring, allowing the Tigers to regroup. The turnaround began in the fourth inning when junior Abby Hay hit a double to bring in a run. Soon after, a sacrifice fly from Stefania Abruscato brought Hay home, narrowing Duke’s lead.
In the fifth, Mizzou continued to capitalize on Duke’s mistakes. Claire Cahalan walked, and a series of wild pitches helped her cross the plate, making it a one-run game.
Touchet pitched well and was replaced by freshman Abby Carr, who came in clutch with a strikeout to keep the game tight. The Tigers eventually took the lead when sophomore Madison Uptegrove hit a double, driving in two runs and putting Mizzou ahead 5-4.
In a tense seventh inning, Duke had opportunities to tie the game, but Abruscato’s impressive diving catch on a bunt attempt proved pivotal. Duke loaded the bases but couldn’t convert, ending the game with a pop out.
A few team highlights:
- Head Coach Larissa Anderson’s career record now stands at 376-226-1.
- Mizzou has won two in a row against Duke, bringing their all-time record against the Blue Devils to 3-2.
- Freshman Sidney Forrester made waves with a career-high three walks.
Looking ahead, Mizzou will face Houston, McNeese State, and Louisiana in their next tournament in Lake Charles, Louisiana, starting on February 20.
The game’s close nature reflects a trend in college softball where teamwork and resilience are key. Recently, a survey showed that more teams are emphasizing mental toughness training, indicating a shift in how teams prepare for high-pressure situations. This focus might be what helps teams like Mizzou thrive in crunch moments. For more insights on sports psychology, check out resources from the American Psychological Association here.
Stay tuned as the Tigers continue to develop their skills and chemistry on the field!
