Missouri softball takes two from Texas Tech

Senior pitcher Jana Hainey held the Red Raiders at bay.

By Zach Mink

Published April 20, 2010

The No. 11 Tiger softball team completed a sweep of Texas Tech last weekend, moving up the standings in the Big 12.

Missouri (32-8, 5-5 Big 12) had impressive pitching performances throughout the two games, including two solid outings by senior pitcher Jana Hainey. The senior threw a combined 7 2-3 innings over the two games, holding the potent Texas Tech lineup to two earned runs.

Hainey, who has seen her role greatly increase since the loss of sophomore ace Chelsea Thomas to injury, was humble despite her success.

"I just want to do whatever I can for the team, in whatever role it might be," Hainey said. "I've really focused on making first pitch strikes and hitting my locations, and I've just tried to step up and do whatever I can to help us win."

Hainey, who was primarily a reliever before the injury to Thomas, has excelled as of late despite struggling early in the season. Coach Ehren Earleywine has seen the improvement and feels that Hainey has had a good mindset toward the new role.

"Jana has done a lot better lately," Earleywine said. "Sometimes when kids are brought up to a new role they hit the panic button and do worse, but Jana has really stepped up. Every time out, she has gotten a little bit better, and I really think she is starting to feel more comfortable in the starting role."

The top of the order led the way for Missouri in game one, highlighted by junior outfielder Rhea Taylor, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with a triple and three runs scored. Junior catcher Catherine Lee continued her hot streak with two RBIs, and freshman shortstop Jenna Marston knocked in a run and went 2-for-3 on the day. Hainey earned the win, improving her record to 5-0 on the season.

The Tigers got some heroics in game two from senior utility player Gina Schneider, who hit a three-run homer in the third inning to put the Tigers up 5-2.

Schneider hit a walk off home run against No.1 seed UCLA in the NCAA Super Regional last year and batted .348 in the postseason. The senior said she tries to stay in the moment to perform in clutch situations.

"I don't feel the pressure that much," Schneider said. "I just try to relax, think about the at-bat and not look at the big picture."

Earleywine attributed Schneider's success to the new batting stance she implemented a few weeks ago.

"We changed her stance by standing her up straighter, putting her feet together and relaxing her whole body," Earleywine said. "She has been thinking too much about her mechanics, and it has tightened her up and slowed her down. So I told her to forget about mechanics and changed her swing, and it seems like its freed her up a bit."

The Tigers would earn the victory by a final score of 5-2. Sophomore pitcher Kristin Nottelmann earned the win in relief, improving her record to 11-6 on the year.

The Tigers are back in action Wednesday as they host a split-twin bill, squaring off with Evansville at 3 p.m. followed by Missouri University of Science and Technology at 5 p.m.