Missouri opened the 2026 season with two losses, falling 7-4 in extra innings to Penn State before losing 3-0 in a pitching battle against No. 5 Oregon on Friday at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida.

Against Penn State, the Tigers kept the game close behind their pitching depth and a disciplined offensive approach, but the Nittany Lions blew the game open in the top of the 10th, scoring three runs capped by a two-run home run by Allison Oneacre.

To end the day, starting pitcher Marissa McCann kept the Tigers competitive, but ultimately couldn’t contain Oregon’s late offense as it pulled away in the final two innings. Offensively, Missouri struggled against Oregon pitcher Lyndsey Grein. She struck out 14 Tigers in a complete-game shutout.

Penn State pulls away in extras

Missouri’s pitching staff kept the Tigers within striking distance as the game headed into extra innings. Starter Cierra Harrison reached a career milestone in the first inning, striking out her first two batters to record her 250th career strikeout.

Harrison went on to have an uneven but competitive game, striking out seven while allowing three runs on eight hits. Courtney Donahue took over in the fifth inning and finished the game, allowing four runs on only three hits while striking out five.

Coming into this game, one of the key areas Mizzou coach Larissa Anderson identified as a weakness was discipline at the plate. The Tigers showed improvement in that aspect of the game. Despite only five hits, they continuously manufactured full counts and took advantage of walks.

That discipline helped Missouri’s offense stay in the game, including a run scored after four consecutive walks. Despite their approach at the plate, the Tigers were unable to capitalize in extra innings with runners in scoring position, allowing Penn State to run away with the game.

Hayley Lenger led the way in hitting for the Tigers, going 2-for-5 at the plate. Abby Hay, Sophie Smith, Madison Uptegrove and Lenger all drove in a run for the Tigers as well.

Oregon stifles Mizzou bats

This game remained scoreless through five innings behind strong performances from former First Team All-American pitcher Lyndsey Grein and Missouri’s Marissa McCann. Grein ultimately came out on top, completing the ninth shutout of her career.

McCann held Oregon from scoring, before a Katie Flannery sacrifice fly scored a run in the sixth inning. A two-RBI double to left center from Ayanna Shaw scored an additional two runs for the Ducks and allowed them to create separation in a contest defined by defense.

Missouri will continue play at the NFCA Division 1 Leadoff Classic on Saturday at noon and 5 p.m. as it takes on No. 23 Liberty and BYU, respectively.Â