Lady?Backs Stranded on Island

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas-The University of Arkansas softball team opened the Islander Invitational, Friday, Feb. 18, in Corpus Christi, Texas with nine hits against Texas-Arlington. Sophomore infielder Kallie Foglesong, sophomore outfielder Rachel LeMaster and junior outfielder paced the Lady Razorbacks with two hits each.

Despite the game-high nine hits, the Lady’Backs fell to Texas-Arlington 3-0 with junior Valanna Lyons recording the loss (3-3) in a complete game performance.

Arkansas started the game with singles by O’Malley and LeMaster but the runners were left stranded.

Head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he pleased with the Lady’Backs performance but disappointed with the 10 runners that Arkansas left on base.

“I thought we played well defensively,” Pinkerton said. “We had opportunities to score and didn’t take advantage of it.”

After a scoreless four innings, Texas-Arlington took a two-run lead on three hits in the top of the fifth inning.

With two outs, the Lady Mavericks rallied when freshman left fielder Katie Jones hit a double to right center field.

Texas-Arlington continued the inning with a single and a double to take a 2-0 lead.

In the top of the sixth inning, Texas-Arlington scored its final run with another two-out rally to lead 3-0.

In the second game, freshman Katy Henry started her second career game recording seven strikeouts against tournament host, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi as the Lady’Backs were defeated 2-0.

Pinkerton said he was happy with his freshman’s showing and the errorless defense behind her.

“Katy had her first good outing,” Pinkerton said. “Defensively, we played well and didn’t make any mental mistakes.”

Henry held the Islanders scoreless until the third inning as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi scored two runs on two hits to lead the Lady’Backs 2-0.

Foglesong and junior catcher Shana Easley led the Arkansas crew as they both tallied doubles.

Foglesong leads the team in doubles this season with four, while Easley hit her second double of the year.

Henry went the distance, her first complete game as a Lady’Back, as she gave up six hits and three walks.

For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to www.ladybacks.com.