Missouri softball knew it had only three weeks left in its Southeastern Conference slate.
With a spot in the NCAA Tournament likely locked up and their focus now on becoming one of the 16 regional hosts, the Tigers wanted to cement their national standing.
Entering this past weekend, Missouri's trio of remaining regular-season series provided an opportunity to make a statement. All three foes (Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee) were ranked in the top 18 of Tuesday's latest NFCA top 25 poll.
Up first was a trip to Fayetteville to face the then-No. 8 Razorbacks.
The Tigers took two of three from Arkansas, with victories in the first two matchups.