Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern softball team will begin the season playing in the Teri Mathis Zener (TMZ) Memorial Tournament against Northern State tomorrow at the Pat Lipira Softball Complex.
The Lions were 11-9 overall and 1-3 in the MIAA before the suspension of play due to the COVID-19 pandemic this will be the first action for the Lions in 356 days. Returning this season will be five starters from last year's team, including two MIAA honorable mentions in 2019 in
Makaila Leonhart and
Josie Tofpi as head coach Hallie Blakney will be in year three with the Pride.
Leonhart led the team in slugging percentage (.547), total bases (35), sac flies (3), and tied for first in home runs (2). Second in runs scored (20), plate appearances (76) at-bats (64) and assists (39), tied for second in steal attempts (4). Third in doubles (5), and putouts while tied for third in hits (22) and walks (6). One of four players to play in all 20 games and one of three to start in each game.
Tofpi led the team in batting average (.390), runs scored (22), doubles (7), walks (9),
Tied for first in sac bunts (2) and assists (41). Second in slugging percentage (.542), on-base percentage (.464) and hits (23). Third in total bases (32), plate appearances (71) and at-bats (59). One of four players to play in all 20 games and one of three to start in each game.
Abby Atkin is the lone pitcher returning and led the team last year in ERA (3.03), opposing batting average (.252), wins (7), innings pitched (64.2), strikeouts (24) and appearances (15).
In total, the Lions are returning nine position players and Atkins from last year as eight newcomers made up of four freshman and sophomores will make up the rest of the roster and
Cody Barham is entering his first season in the dugout for the Lions after stints at Tulsa and Oklahoma State and will serve as the assistant coach.
Complete schedule of the Teri Mathis Zenner Tournament can be found here and will have links to the live streams, stats and other links to each team in the tournament.
TMZ Tournament Page
