Softball to Open 2024 at NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri softball team will compete in the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic to open the 2024 season Feb. 9-11 in Clearwater, Florida.

The 21st edition of the event will take place at the Eddie C. Moore Complex. This four-day showcase of collegiate softball features 17 programs from 12 different conferences.

Mizzou is set to face 2023 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) participant Utah, along with Liberty and Clemson (Super Regional appearance) who both made 2023 NCAA Regional Appearances.

The Tigers will also meet North Carolina State and South Alabama at the 2024 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic.

2024 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic Schedule

Friday, Feb. 9 – Mizzou vs. Utah – 3 p.m., CT (4 p.m., ET)

Friday, Feb. 9 – Mizzou vs. North Carolina State – 6 p.m., CT (7 p.m., ET)

Saturday, Feb. 10 – Mizzou vs. South Alabama – 12 p.m., CT (1 p.m., ET)

Saturday, Feb. 10 – Mizzou vs. Liberty – 6 p.m., CT (7 p.m., ET)

Sunday, Feb. 11 – Mizzou vs. Clemson – 9 a.m., CT (10 a.m., ET)

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m., CT and are only available online.

The 2024 Classic field includes Army West Point, Central Arkansas, Clemson, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Liberty, Missouri, Missouri State, North Carolina Central, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Oregon, South Alabama, St. John’s, Utah, and Western Kentucky.

Each team will play a minimum of five games over the four-day event.

In 2023, Mizzou went 3-2 at the Leadoff Classic with wins over Fordham, #8/8 ranked Northwestern and Prairie View A&M.

Missouri wrapped its 2023 campaign with a 35-26 overall mark after making the program’s 16th-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The Tigers have registered 35 wins in four of the last five seasons (2020 COVID-19 shortened season was the only time the Tigers did not meet the threshold in that span).

Missouri returns 2023 NFCA All-American and Top 25 Finalist for USA Softball Player of the Year center fielder Alex Honnold who represented the USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) at the 2023 Japan All-Star Series this past August.

Mizzou also returns starting shortstop Jenna Laird who was named to the 2023 All-SEC Second Team with Honnold. In the circle, Mizzou returns senior right-hander, Laurin Krings who led the Tigers with 12 wins on a 2.75 ERA.

SEASON TICKET REQUEST
Tiger fans can reserve their spot at the Mizzou Softball Stadium by requesting season tickets (new season ticket holders) with a $50 deposit for the 2024 season. Pricing will be finalized when the full schedule is complete, and any money placed toward a deposit will be deducted from ticket invoices.

To reserve 2024 season tickets, please fill out the attached form.

Season ticket renewals will be announced at a later date.

NEXT UP

Missouri opens fall play with a pair of games at the University of Missouri – Kansas City on Saturday, Sept. 30. Mizzou will take on Kansas City at 12 p.m., CT before concluding the day against Missouri State at 3 p.m.

FOLLOW THE TIGERS

For all the latest on Mizzou Softball, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team @MizzouSoftball (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).