Mizzou Softball Posts 2-3 Record in Opening Weekend

The Tigers split five games at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The Mizzou softball team opened the 2026 season with a 2-3 record at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. The Tigers split a pair of extra-inning games, defeated a ranked opponent, and lost a close contest to another receiving votes team over the opening weekend.

Why it matters

Mizzou softball is looking to build on a strong 2025 season and make a push for the NCAA Tournament. The opening weekend results provide an early indication of the team's strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for conference play.

The details

In the season opener, Mizzou fell 7-4 to Penn State in 10 innings despite taking an early lead. The Tigers were then no-hit in a 3-0 loss to 5th-ranked Oregon. Mizzou bounced back with a 13-2 run-rule victory over #23 Liberty, then defeated BYU 9-6 before dropping an 11-inning heartbreaker to South Alabama 5-4.

  • The Tigers played a double header on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • Mizzou played another double header on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The Tigers wrapped up the opening weekend with a single game on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Mizzou Softball Team

The University of Missouri softball team, competing in the 2026 season.

Penn State

The softball team from Pennsylvania State University, who defeated Mizzou in the season opener.

Oregon

The 5th-ranked softball team from the University of Oregon, who no-hit Mizzou in the second game of the opening weekend.

Liberty

The 23rd-ranked softball team from Liberty University, who Mizzou routed 13-2 in six innings.

BYU

The softball team from Brigham Young University, who Mizzou defeated 9-6.

South Alabama

The softball team from the University of South Alabama, who defeated Mizzou 5-4 in 11 innings.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Tigers will travel to Orlando, Florida for a road matchup against UCF on Tuesday, February 11, 2026 before returning to Clearwater for the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational starting on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Mizzou softball showed both the highs and lows of their 2026 team in the opening weekend, with impressive wins over ranked opponents balanced by tough extra-inning losses. The Tigers will look to build on the positives as they continue their non-conference schedule before diving into SEC play.