Kansas Tops Missouri for First Time Since 2022 Behind Early Offense, Strong Defense

Wednesday, March 26

Columbia, Mo.

8 p.m. CT

University of Kansas

15-12

Missouri

18-16

Kansas

Mizzou

Kansas Tops Missouri for First Time Since 2022 Behind Early Offense, Strong Defense

3/26/2025 10:45:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Season Stats

Columbia, MO. – Kansas struck early and never looked back, using a three-run homer and stellar defense to shut out Missouri 3-0 on Wednesday night at Mizzou Softball Field. The win marked the Jayhawks' first victory over the Tigers since 2022.

"I think we really set the tone in that first inning. Our mindset was right, our energy was fantastic. I was incredibly proud of the whole team—our defense was phenomenal," said Head Coach Jennifer McFalls. "The timing of the double plays was crucial, and K Wash (Kaelee Washington) stepped up in a big way. For a freshman to throw all seven innings on a big stage and work through tough situations, that's huge for her confidence moving forward."

Kansas wasted no time setting the tone, as leadoff hitters Presley Limbaugh and Aynslee Linduff opened the game with back-to-back hits. With two runners on, junior Hailey Cripe capitalized on the momentum, crushing a three-run homer to right-center field to give the Jayhawks an early 3-0 lead.

Freshman pitcher Kaelee Washington got the start in the circle and faced immediate pressure as Missouri loaded the bases in the first inning. However, Washington delivered in the clutch, escaping the jam with a key strikeout to keep the Jayhawks in front.

The Tigers threatened again in the second, loading the bases for the second straight inning. But once again, Kansas' defense stepped up, turning a crucial double play to end the inning unscathed.

Kansas continued its defensive dominance in the third, starting the inning with another double play before retiring the Tigers with a routine groundout.

Offensively, the Jayhawks looked to add to their lead in the fourth, as senior Natalie Marshall sparked the inning with a single to left. However, Missouri's defense held firm, keeping Kansas from extending its advantage.

Washington settled into a groove, holding Missouri scoreless for six straight innings while the Jayhawks' defense continued to shine. The final out came on a fly ball to center field, where Limbaugh made the catch to seal the shutout victory.

Up Next
Kansas (15-12) will look to carry this momentum into its upcoming series against No. 20 Texas Tech. The first game is set for Friday at 5:00 p.m. CT, and fans can stream all the action on ESPN+.

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Pitchers of Record
Win: Kaelee Washington
Line: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 3 SO
Loss: Cierra Harrison
Line: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 3 SO

Up Next

Kansas will look to carry this win and momentum into this week's series against Texas Tech, who is ranked 20th in the NCAA RPI. The first game is set for Friday at 5:00 p.m. CT, and fans can stream all this weekend's games on ESPN+

Notables

Hailey Cripe blasted her fourth home run of the season and the 15th of her career.
Kaelee Washington recorded her 30th strikeout of the season in the first inning.
Washington completed her first career shutout, going the distance for Kansas.
The Jayhawks turned double plays in back-to-back innings for the first time this season.
Kansas improved to 8-2 in games where they hit a home run.
The victory marked Kansas' first win over Missouri since 2022.
The Jayhawks secured their third shutout of the season with a 3-0 win over Missouri.