Columbia, Mo. ? Customarily, Kansas University softball coach Tracy Bunge does not announce her starting pitcher until just before game time.

Not today. Bunge revealed Tuesday that she plans to start Kassie Humphreys against Missouri at 6 p.m. at MU’s University Field.

“It’s a no-brainer,” Bunge said. “Over the last two weeks, Kassie has been as good as any pitcher in the country.”

Humphreys, a junior right-hander from Glendale, Ariz., boasts a 1.28 earned run average while opposing batters are batting just .144 against her. In the Big 12, only Texas standout Cat Osterman boasts better numbers.

“Her confidence has grown daily over the last two weeks,” Bunge said of Humphreys. “Her wins and losses don’t show it, but her stats do.”

Humphreys’ record is 9-12, primarily because she has been on the wrong end of the majority of KU’s 12 one-run losses.

As good as Humphreys has been, teammate Serena Settlemier isn’t far behind. Settlemier also ranks in the Top Five in Big 12 pitching stats. Her record is 12-5 and her ERA a stingy 1.44.

Kansas (21-19 overall, 2-5 Big 12) will begin a seven-game homestand this weekend, starting with a visit by Texas Tech.