Settlemier's Grand Slam Lifts KU Over Mizzou, 5-1

April 19, 2006

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LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Senior pitcher Serena Settlemier’s grand slam in the fifth inning lifted Kansas softball to a 5-1 victory over Border Showdown rival Missouri, Wednesday night at Arrocha Ballpark. With the win, the Jayhawks improved to 24-20 overall and 5-6 in Big 12 Conference play and avenged their 4-0 loss to the Tigers in Columbia, Mo., on April 12.

The Jayhawks and Tigers were tied at 0-0 until the bottom of the fifth. Sophomore Betsy Wilson led off the inning by reaching first on an error by the second baseman and moved over to second on a sacrifice bunt by freshman Val Chapple. Junior Nicole Washburn walked and senior Jessica Moppin singled to load the bases for Settlemier, who blasted the pitch from Jen Bruck over the left field fence for her 18th home run and fifth grand slam of the season.

Kansas got an insurance run in the sixth after Chapple hit an RBI single to center scoring senior Ashley Goodrich, who got aboard with a single of her own.

With the victory, KU increased its lead in the 2005-06 Border Showdown to 19-15. Wednesday’s win over the Tigers marked the Jayhawks’ first in Lawrence since April 19, 2001 (6-1), exactly five years to the date.

Settlemier was stellar on the mound as well, giving up just one run on two hits while fanning five in a complete game effort.

KU continues its seven-game home stretch with a non-conference doubleheader against Creighton, Thursday at Arrocha Ballpark. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on KLWN 1320 AM.