Mizzou Softball team faces off against UCF in a Florida showdown.
The University of Missouri softball team, ranked No. 15, struggles with a tough loss against UCF after a promising start in their season. The Tigers led 5-0 but fell 6-5 in extra innings. As they prepare for the 2025 Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, optimism remains high for future matchups against ranked rivals.
The University of Missouri softball team, freshly ranked No. 15, is currently navigating the twists and turns of the 2025 season with a record of 4-2. The Tigers have journeyed to sunny Florida for a series of exciting games, in what many are calling the Sunshine Showdown. However, their latest outing against Central Florida (UCF) turned out to be a wild ride that culminated in a tough loss.
It all began with a bang! Mizzou raced out of the gate, jumping to a stunning 5-0 lead in the first inning of their midweek matchup against UCF. Amid a flurry of scoring, catcher Julia Crenshaw crossed home plate first thanks to a fielder’s choice by Abby Hay, quickly followed by Stefania Abruscato, who slid in after another fielder’s choice hit by Taylor Ebbs. The highlight of the inning came from the power of senior shortstop Kara Daly, who launched a three-run home run, marking her first of the season and lighting up the scoreboard.
But just when it seemed like Mizzou had the game under control, UCF decided it was time for a change in their strategy. They brought in redshirt freshman Isabella Vega, who quickly turned the tide and kept Mizzou from adding to its lead.
UCF wasn’t about to roll over. They began to claw their way back into the game, with the turning point coming in the third inning when Izzy Mertes, a freshman designated player, smashed a two-run double that closed the gap to 5-3. The pressure was mounting, and Mizzou needed to stay sharp as UCF built momentum.
Things took another twist in the fifth inning when UCF capped off a remarkable comeback by tying the score at 5-5. This moment was notable, not only for the dramatic shift in the game but also because it included an overturned obstruction call at home plate, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. This was turning out to be a nail-biter!
Mizzou’s pitcher rotation saw Cierra Harrison kick things off before handing the ball over to Nathalie Touchet and wrapping up with Marissa McCann, each trying to stem the tide as UCF continued to press. However, UCF’s momentum seemed insurmountable.
As the game pushed into extra innings, it was clear that both teams were in it to win it. UCF’s Madison Simon shattered Mizzou’s hopes, clutching the victory with a one-out double in the bottom of the eighth, sealing the final score at 6-5 in favor of the Knights.
Following this challenging defeat, the Tigers are gearing up for their next conquest at the 2025 Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, which is taking place from Thursday to Saturday at the Eddie C. Moore Complex. Mizzou’s upcoming schedule is packed with intense matchups, including games against ranked teams like No. 8/9 Florida State and Ohio State. And for fans hoping to catch the action, several of these games will even be broadcast on various ESPN platforms!
As the Tigers prepare for their next games, they remain optimistic and are determined to improve their record. With the season still in its early stages, fans are hopeful that Mizzou will bounce back and showcase the strength and tenacity we have come to expect from our talented softball team. Go Tigers!
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