Aiming to get its season back on track, the Missouri softball team had an opportunity to earn a crucial Southeastern Conference series win over ranked Mississippi State on Sunday at Mizzou Softball Stadium.
But the No. 20 Bulldogs' Holly Ward pitched true to her name, warding off Missouri's comeback attempt with 4u2154 innings of relief work in which she struck out 10 batters to earn her 10th win of the season. The senior right-hander, who entered with the Tigers threatening to tie the game in the third, held the threat to a minimum.
Missouri (17-14, 1-5 SEC) did pull even at 3-3 with Ward in the circle, but the run only came after a two-out error and was charged to starting pitcher Emily Williams.