Mizzou Softball Dominates Bye-Week Classic

Tigers go undefeated in four-game tournament, led by standout performances from Stefania Abruscato and Abby Carr.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:07am

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The Missouri softball team had a dominant showing at the Mizzou Bye-Week Series, winning all four of their games and improving their record to 12-16 on the season. Catcher Stefania Abruscato had a standout weekend, going 3-for-4 with three doubles and five RBIs in the opener against Minnesota. Pitcher Marissa McCann also turned in a complete game, allowing just one earned run. Against South Dakota, Abby Carr hit a three-run homer and struck out three in relief. The Tigers continued their strong play throughout the weekend, including a 9-0 win over South Dakota and a come-from-behind victory against Iowa State in the final game.

Why it matters

After a slow start to the season, this undefeated weekend at the Bye-Week Classic represents a much-needed turnaround for the Missouri softball team. The dominant performances from players like Abruscato and Carr suggest the Tigers may be finding their stride as they head into the heart of their conference schedule.

The details

In the opener against Minnesota, Abruscato's two-RBI double in the third inning sparked a four-run frame for the Tigers. She also made a key defensive play, picking off a Minnesota runner at first base. McCann pitched a complete game, allowing just one earned run. Against South Dakota, Carr's three-run homer highlighted a strong offensive showing, while she also struck out three in relief. Missouri continued its hot hitting throughout the weekend, with home runs from Sidney Forrester and Carr. In the final game against Iowa State, the Tigers fell behind 4-3 but Carr came through again, pitching four and two-thirds innings of one-run ball and hitting an RBI single to give Mizzou the lead for good.

  • The Mizzou Bye-Week Series took place on March 13-15, 2026.
  • The game against Minnesota was played on Friday, March 13.
  • The game against South Dakota was originally scheduled for Sunday, March 15, but was moved to Friday, March 13 due to inclement weather.
  • The game against South Dakota was played on Saturday, March 14.
  • The game against Iowa State was played on Sunday, March 15.

The players

Stefania Abruscato

The Missouri catcher had a standout weekend, going 3-for-4 with three doubles and five RBIs in the opener against Minnesota.

Marissa McCann

The Missouri pitcher turned in a complete game against Minnesota, allowing just one earned run and striking out six.

Abby Carr

The Missouri player hit a three-run home run against South Dakota and also struck out three in relief. She later pitched four and two-thirds innings of one-run ball and hit an RBI single to give Mizzou the lead for good against Iowa State.

Sidney Forrester

The Missouri right fielder hit a solo home run in the game against South Dakota.

Sophie Smith

The Missouri second baseman had three RBIs in the game against South Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“We've been through a lot of ups and downs this season, but this weekend was a great opportunity for us to come together and play some really solid softball.”

— Stefania Abruscato, Missouri Catcher

“Abby really stepped up in a big way for us, both at the plate and in the circle. Her performance was crucial to our success this weekend.”

— Marissa McCann, Missouri Pitcher

What’s next

Missouri will hit the road for a midweek doubleheader against Illinois on Wednesday, March 18. The Illini are currently 8-18 and have lost six straight games.

The takeaway

This undefeated weekend at the Bye-Week Classic could be a turning point for the Missouri softball team, as they seem to have found their groove with standout performances from players like Stefania Abruscato and Abby Carr. If the Tigers can build on this momentum, they could be poised for a strong finish to the season.