Lincoln, Neb. -- The fourth-ranked Nebraska softball team suffered its third Big 12 Conference loss of the season, falling 4-2 to Missouri in a stunning upset Sunday afternoon before 830 fans at Bowlin Stadium. With the loss, the Huskers fell to 36-8 overall and 6-3 in the league, while the Tigers, who were in last place in the conference standings entering the weekend, improved to 24-28 and 2-11.

Leigh Ann Walker (20-3) took the loss for NU, allowing four earned runs on four hits in 4.0 innings of work. Sophomore righthander Peaches James allowed two hits but held MU scoreless in 3.0 innings of relief.

Erin Kalka (11-11) took the win for Missouri, holding the Huskers to four hits and one run in 5.2 innings of work after relieving Ingrid Werner in the bottom of the second.

Trailing 2-0 after the top of the second, the Huskers pulled within one run in the bottom of the inning. NU loaded the bases as Amber Burgess drew a leadoff walk, Amanda Buchholz produced a one-out single, and Werner hit Lisa Wangler with a pitch. Werner then walked in a run with Cindy Roethemeyer at the plate.

But Missouri widened the gap in the top of the fourth, as Erin Erickson smashed a two-run homer off the scoreboard to score Rachael McGinnis and make it 4-1, Tigers.

The Huskers cut the lead to two in the bottom of the sixth, when James laced a one-out doubled to right center, scoring Burgess to make it 4-2. James advanced to third when Buchholz grounded out to short, but Wangler struck out, stranding James.

James held Missouri scoreless in the top of the seventh, but the Huskers couldn