The Missouri Tigers celebrate their 4-2 win over Illinois, (Bill Pollock photo)

The Missouri Tigers celebrate their 4-2 win over Illinois, (Bill Pollock photo)

For the second straight year, the Mizzou Tiger softball team is headed to the NCAA Super Regionals.  For the second straight day, the Tigers defeated the Illinois Illini, this time by the score of 4-2.

Kristin Nottlemann was again lights out for the Tigers.  She would throw another complete game, her 13th of the season.  She would give up just one earned run while striking out three.  Her record is now 22-7 on the season.

Mizzou would get on the board first as Ashley Fleming would hit a sacrifice fly that scored Rhea Taylor who had walked, stole second and was at third after a double by Catherine Lee.

After Illinois tied the game at 1, the Tigers went back to work.  Taylor led off the third with a triple and would score on a single by Lee putting the Tigers up 2-1.

MU's Nicole Hudson takes a ball from Illinois Pepper Gay in the 7th inning.  (Bill Pollock photo)

MU's Nicole Hudson takes a ball from Illinois Pepper Gay in the 7th inning. (Bill Pollock photo)

Jaydee Young would come into the game to pinch run for Catherine Lee.  A throwing error by the Illini while trying to throw out Jenna Marston, who had dropped down a bunt, let Lee score all the way from first. 

Mizzou would get their last run of the game on an infield single off the bat of Nicole Hudson that would score Marston. 

The Mizzou Tigers now move on to the Super Regional where they will take on the Oregon Ducks.  The best of three series is going to begin on Friday.

Kristen Nottleman, Rhea Taylor and Ashley Fleming postgame comments.

MU players post game

After the press conferences, coach Earleywine talked with Bill Pollock about ESPNU predicting Illinois would win as well as commenting on reports that Illinois had a stuffed tiger hanging in their hotel lobby.  Some very candid thoughts from coach.

Ehren Earleywine’s comments