Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
Missouri
Eagles Stymied by No. 3 Missouri in DeMarini Invite Finale
3/20/2010 6:54:26 PM | Softball
EMU closed out its Missour tournament with a loss to one of the nation's hottest teams in No. 3 Missouri
Box Score
COLUMBIA, Mo. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University softball team dropped what turned out to be its DeMarini Invitational finale to third-ranked and host Missouri, 9-0, at the Devine Pavilion Saturday, March 20, on the campus of the University of Missouri. The Eagles fall to 6-11 while the Tigers improve to 20-3 on the year.
The game, which was played indoors due to inclement weather in the area, was the first meeting between the Eagles and Tigers in nearly 16 years. Freshman pitcher Jillian Williamson got the start for the Eagles, but was out-dueled by Missouri's Chelsea Thomas who went the distance, giving up a hit while striking out 10 over six innings to move to 11-1 on the year.
Williamson endured a rough outing by allowing seven runs (4 earned) over 2.2 innings before being relieved by Jaclyn Caro, Jenna Ignowski and Jamie Melchert. The Tigers flexed their muscles early, tallying seven runs in the first three innings including a three-run home run by Gina Schneider in the second and two-run single by Rhea Taylor in the third. Schneider finished 1-for-2 with three RBI and two runs scored while Taylor went 3-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored.
The Eagles lone hit was a single Jenny Scherer to lead off the second inning. She swiped her fourth base of the year before Allison Scherer struck out to end the inning. Thomas would go on to retire nine straight batters and finished the game by retiring six in a row. She didn't allow an Eagle to get past second base all game.
As a result of the poor weather conditions, EMU will cut its tournament a bit short and make the long journey home a day early. The Eagles were supposed to play Ball State Saturday and Northwestern for a second time Sunday, but will not. Those games will not be made up.
The Green and White will return home to prepare for a mid-week doubleheader against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Tuesday, March 23, in South Bend, Ind. First pitch of game one is slated for 4 p.m.
