The University of Evansville softball team will have a full plate to handle this week, as the Aces (14-23, 7-10) will travel to No. 11 Missouri (32-8) for a Wednesday game starting at 3 p.m. before hosting Belmont (7-39) on Thursday for a 3 p.m. doubleheader. UE will then take off to Northern Iowa this weekend to return to Missouri Valley Conference action.

The Aces are coming off a 3-2 week with wins against Indiana and Wichita State. With two wins over the Shockers, UE has given itself a little comfort room to sit at seventh place in the MVC, as the top eight teams qualify for the MVC Tournament May 13-15 in Des Moines, Iowa. UE has also shown much improvement from last year, as the team has three more league wins than the 2009 squad.

After snapping an eight-game hit streak at Indiana, sophomore Amy Gaertner came back against Wichita State with at least one hit in each game, including a two-run homer in Sunday's match. Freshman Alicia Betancur also had a strong week, as she hit .357 in the five games, including two doubles to make six for the season.

Wednesday's game will have meaning behind it in numerous ways for UE. Evansville first-year head coach Mark Redburn was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Tigers for the last three seasons before moving to UE's helm. Redburn helped the Tigers to the 2009 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. This also marks the first time this season that the Aces have faced a nationally-ranked opponent. Mizzou has played six MVC teams this season, and has not lost to any of them.

The Tigers outdo their opponents in practically every category, as they hit .293 as a team with seven players hitting over .300. Rhea Taylor leads the team with a .413 average and has 24-of-25 stolen bases this season. Missouri's pitchers are also a force with a team ERA of 2.20, as they are led by Chelsea Thomas' 1.72 and 123 strikeouts.

The Aces return Thursday to James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium for the team's last home midweek game this season with a twin bill against the Bruins. Belmont is on the hunt for success against the Aces, as the team has lost six-straight contests since a 3-1 win against Mercer.

Ashley Byers leads the team with a .258 batting average with 32 hits and 31 RBI. On the rubber, Devon Schmidt holds the team's seven wins and could break 100 strikeouts against the Aces, as she currently holds 99.