OXFORD, Miss. – University of Missouri softball closed its SEC road series at No. 19/21 Ole Miss with a 9-5 win over the Rebels Monday night at Ole Miss Softball Stadium.
The Tigers now sit at 19-18 (2-7 SEC) in 2025, while the Rebels stand at 28-7 (5-4 SEC).
Freshman Sophie Smith powered the Tigers offense Monday, tallying a career-best day with two hits (2-for-3), five RBI and a grand slam.
The Tigers started the contest strong with two runs in the first via a bases loaded RBI hit by pitch for Madison Uptegrove and an RBI bunt single from Kayley Lenger.
Smith, a Spring, Texas, second baseman, then blasted her first career home run, a grand slam to left center to push the Tigers advantage to 6-0.
The grand slam was the second for Mizzou in 2025 as Madison Walker previously registered one against Nebraska on March 2.
Mizzou continued the momentum with an aggressive scoring play from Julia Crenshaw in reaction to a sacrifice bunt by Stefania Abruscato during the second inning to make the score 7-0.
The Rebels responded with five runs in the second to cut the Missouri lead to 7-5. Lexie Brady and Angelina DeLeon each had two-run homers before an RBI single.
Mizzou’s defense then shut down Ole Miss in the fourth, with Kara Daly tagging out an advancing runner at third prior to a Rebel scoring at home for the final out of the inning.
Smith and Mya Dodge (pinch hitter) then hit back-to-back RBI singles, securing the Tigers a 9-5 lead at the top of the fifth, and ultimately the victory.
Cierra Harrison picked up the victory to improve to 8-5 (2-1 SEC) in 2025. She pitched 3.2 innings of relief work, allowing no runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.
Nathalie Touchet earned her second save of the season, coming on with the bases loaded and the tying run at bat. She closed out the final 1.2 innings, surrendering no runs on one hit.
Marissa McCann made the start, allowing five earned runs on five hits with a strikeout over 1.2 innings.
Crenshaw, who was listed No. 12 on Softball America’s weekly catcher player rankings Monday, extended her hitting streak to nine games (10-game reached base streak). She also had a career-best matching three walks.
The top-25 ranked win was Mizzou’s fifth of the season.
UP NEXT
- The Tigers next host Missouri State in midweek action on Wednesday before facing top ranked Texas this upcoming weekend April 4-6 at the Mizzou Softball Stadium.
- Wednesday’s midweek against the Bears is Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day with first pitch set for 5 p.m., CT.
- Promotions for the Texas series include a Black Out where fans are encouraged to wear Black for game one before Healthcare Appreciation Day Saturday and Sunday Funday which includes free ice cream and sunglasses for fans while supplies last, along with postgame autographs.
FOLLOW THE TIGERS
- For all the latest on Mizzou Softball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team @MizzouSoftball (X, Instagram, Facebook).
- Diamond Club is accepting new members. Email MAF@missouri.edu or call 573-882-0704 to join.
- Join us in Expanding the Tradition of excellence in Mizzou Softball! This special initiative focuses on building a Rock M at the Mizzou Softball Stadium, a centerpiece of Tiger pride. The Rock M debuted this season at the Mizzou Softball Stadium.
