Kara Daly, Walk-Off Hero

We won’t mince words: It’s been a season to forget for Mizzou Softball. Headed into the final series of the regular season, Mizzou was looking at overcoming a tough challenge against No. 12 Arkansas. Of course, Mizzou notched a dramatic win on Saturday with sophomore Kara Daly cracked a walk-off solo shot. So with a rubber match awaiting on Sunday, Mizzou needed some more heroics to grab the long-awaited series win.

Who else to deliver but... Kara Daly?

If you’re going to have a disappointing season, at least go out in some style. The homer was Daly’s 10th of the season and sends the Tigers to the SEC Tournament in Fayetteville as the No. 13 seed. They’ll play No. 12-seed Mississippi State on Tuesday night. Technically, they have the same record, but MS State was given the 12-seed as a result of very confusing SEC rules.

Karen will have a recap later today.

Yesterday at Rock M

• In which Sam argues that the transfer portal has thrown a wrench into high school recruiting (basketball, specifically)
• In which Mizzou Baseball gets a massive series win over Ole Miss
• In which Matthew Cleveland commits to Miami and Mizzou is course correcting yet again
• In which Mizzou Women’s Basketball gets a crucial transfer commitment from Abby Feit of Evansville

More Links:

• ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg thinks one Mizzou defender is a sleeper heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.

After producing just one draft pick (defensive end Isaiah McGuire) this year, Missouri will be a much bigger factor in the 2024 draft. [Ennis] Rakestraw is one of several Tigers defensive backs who could rise up draft boards. Fully recovered from a 2021 ACL injury, Rakestraw had three forced fumbles, 13 pass breakups and an interception last season. He’s always around the ball and has very good speed, testing well in Missouri’s offseason program.

• Nick Honor is embracing the old man vibes.

• Happy belated birthday, DRF!
• Congrats to the seniors of Mizzou Track & Field on a great final campaign!

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