The Kentucky Wildcats softball team kicks off SEC play this weekend with a three-game series against the Missouri Tigers at John Cropp Stadium in Lexington, Ky. Missouri enters with an 11-10 record, bringing a balanced roster to face a Kentucky squad eager to start conference play on a high note. Here’s your guide to catching all the action, whether you’re streaming, tuning in, or heading to the ballpark.
Series Schedule and Details
Friday, March 7
Opponent: Missouri Tigers
Time: 6:30 PM ET
Saturday, March 8
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Sunday, March 9
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Notes: Grand Prix Weekend // Kentucky Gear Enter to Win
TV: The series finale will air live on the SEC Network, available through most cable and satellite providers. Check your local listings for the channel number (e.g., 611 on DirecTV, 404 on Dish).
Live Stats:
Real-time stats for all three games can be accessed via the UK Athletics website (ukathletics.com) under the softball schedule or through the team’s social media updates on X.
Tickets and Attending In-Person
Ready to cheer on the Wildcats at John Cropp Stadium? Tickets are available for all three games:
How to Buy: Head to ukathletics.com, find the softball schedule, and click “Purchase Tickets” next to each game date. With Grand Prix Weekend promotions—including a flag giveaway on Saturday and a Kentucky gear raffle on Sunday—seats may fill up fast, so grab yours early.
What to watch for
Missouri Tigers: A Quick Look
Missouri enters the series at 11-10, with a roster showing offensive punch and solid pitching depth:
Batting Leaders:
Julia Crenshaw (.348, 4 HR, 13 RBI): A standout with a 1.084 OPS and perfect 5-for-5 on stolen bases.
Madison Walker (.264, 9 HR, 23 RBI): Leads the team with nine homers, boasting a .961 OPS.
Kara Daly (.270, 4 HR, 13 RBI): A consistent threat with an .870 OPS.
The Tigers hit .262 as a team, with 23 home runs and 19-of-25 stolen bases, showing power and speed.
Pitching Leaders:
Taylor Pannell (1.52 ERA, 3-2): A reliable arm with 23 strikeouts in 23 innings.
Marissa McCann (3.03 ERA, 4-3): The workhorse with 57.2 innings and 35 strikeouts.
Cierra Harrison (4.46 ERA, 4-3): Adds depth with 39 strikeouts in 42.1 innings.
Missouri’s staff posts a 3.38 ERA, allowing a .265 opponent batting average. Kentucky will need to contend with Missouri’s power hitters and a pitching staff that’s kept games competitive, though the Tigers’ 45 walks issued could provide opportunities for the Wildcats’ offense.
This SEC opener marks Kentucky’s first conference test of the season, and John Cropp Stadium will be buzzing with Grand Prix Weekend festivities. The Wildcats, coming off a strong non-conference slate, will look to set the tone against a Missouri team that’s battled to an 11-10 record. Expect Kentucky to lean on its pitching and timely hitting to counter Missouri’s power bats like Walker and Crenshaw, while the Tigers will aim to exploit any early-season rust in UK’s SEC debut.