Mizzou Softball Loses to UCF After Early Lead

Tigers have worst six-game start under head coach Larissa Anderson

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Missouri softball dropped a Wednesday matchup to UCF in Florida, leading to the Tigers having their worst six-game start to the season in head coach Larissa Anderson's tenure. Missouri held a 1-0 lead through the top of the fifth inning, but the Knights exploded to score all five of its runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Why it matters

The loss drops Missouri to 2-4 on the season, including two games against ranked opponents. The Tigers will look to bounce back this weekend at the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational, facing several more top-25 teams.

The details

Freshman Addy Waits gave Missouri an early 1-0 lead with a bases-loaded walk in the second inning. Cierra Harrison pitched well for the Tigers, not allowing a hit until the fourth inning. But in the bottom of the fifth, UCF scored five runs, including two home runs, to take a 3-1 lead and pull away for the victory.

  • Missouri held a 1-0 lead through the top of the fifth inning.
  • UCF scored all five of its runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The players

Larissa Anderson

Head coach of the Missouri softball team.

Addy Waits

Freshman on the Missouri softball team who drew a bases-loaded walk to give the Tigers an early 1-0 lead.

Cierra Harrison

Missouri pitcher who did not allow a hit until the fourth inning.

Marissa McCann

Pitcher who replaced Harrison in the fifth inning as UCF scored five runs.

Sierra Humphreys

UCF player who hit a home run to start the five-run fifth inning for the Knights.

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What’s next

Missouri will remain in Florida this weekend, competing in the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational, with games against NC State, No. 6/7 UCLA, Northwestern, No. 23 FAU and No. 22/19 Duke.

The takeaway

The loss drops Missouri to 2-4 on the season, their worst six-game start under head coach Larissa Anderson. The Tigers will look to bounce back against several top-25 opponents this weekend in Clearwater, Florida.