Mizzou Softball Drops Two Games to Big Ten Opponents in Season Opener

Tigers fall to Penn State in extra innings, then lose to No. 5 Oregon

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The Missouri softball team opened its 2026 season with losses to Penn State and Oregon in the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. The Tigers took Penn State to extra innings before falling 7-4, and then lost 3-0 to the fifth-ranked Ducks.

Why it matters

The losses to Big Ten and Pac-12 opponents to start the season are a setback for the Missouri softball program, which is looking to build on its success from recent years and compete for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Against Penn State, the game was tied 3-3 after regulation, but the Nittany Lions scored three runs in the top of the 10th inning to win. Missouri had just five hits in the game and struggled to capitalize on its opportunities. Senior pitcher Cierra Harrison reached a career milestone by recording her 250th career strikeout in the game. In the loss to Oregon, the Tigers were shut out 3-0 by the fifth-ranked Ducks.

  • The games took place on Friday, February 7, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida.

The players

Cierra Harrison

A senior pitcher for the Missouri softball team who recorded her 250th career strikeout in the loss to Penn State.

Kayley Lenger

The second batter in Missouri's lineup, who kept the Tigers alive with a single that brought home the tying run in the 10th inning against Penn State.

Madison Uptegrove

The Missouri player who scored the tying run in the 10th inning against Penn State after Lenger's single.

Courtney Donahue

The Missouri pitcher who replaced Harrison in the final five innings against Penn State.

Penn State

The Big Ten opponent that defeated Missouri 7-4 in extra innings in the season opener.

Oregon

The fifth-ranked Pac-12 opponent that defeated Missouri 3-0 in the second game of the season-opening tournament.

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The takeaway

The losses to Penn State and Oregon to start the season are a tough way for the Missouri softball team to begin its 2026 campaign, but the Tigers will have opportunities to rebound and build momentum as the season progresses. The team's ability to compete with top-tier opponents from the Big Ten and Pac-12 will be a key factor in determining its postseason prospects.