Sept. 23, 2009

The University of Missouri softball team, fresh off a school record 50-win season and its fourth Women's College World Series appearance, will open its fall schedule Saturday, Sept. 26, at Noon (CT) on University Field.

The afternoon doubleheader will pit the Tigers against North Central College beginning at Noon, followed by Heartland Community College at approximately 2 p.m. Both games are open to the public and free of charge.

The Cardinals from North Central College, an NCAA Division III program, finished 27-12 last season. Led by the CCIW coaching staff of the year, for the second consecutive season, the Cardinals also feature dual-threat Holly Roadruck. Starring both in the field and in the circle, Roadruck received the CCIW Co-Player of the Year honor in 2009.

The Hawks of Heartland Community College are coming off a NJCAA Division II National Championship. In only the program's second year of existence, Heartland finished their campaign at 50-8 overall, which included a 21 game winning streak.

Missouri returns 15 members of its 2009 NCAA Regional and Super Regional winning squad including All-Americans Marla Schweisberger and Rhea Taylor. Seven newcomers join the Tiger team for the 2009-10 campaign and fans will have their first opportunity to see the squad in action as they play their first of seven fall games.