Lady'Backs Make History in Win over Wildcats

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas softball made history Saturday, April 23, when the Lady Razorbacks (18-35, 3-19) recorded their first Southeastern Conference run-rule with a 10-2 victory in six innings over the Kentucky Wildcats (19-34, 3-19). Arkansas won the second game 4-0.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was happy with the Lady’Backs performance in all areas of the game.

“Everything just clicked,” Pinkerton said. “We looked really good. I was real proud that these kids never quit all year long.”

The Arkansas offense exploded in the first inning as the Lady’Backs scored four runs on five hits to start the game 4-0. Junior catcher Shana Easley highlighted the rally with a three-run home run over the left center field wall.

Junior center fielder Mindy O’Malley, sophomore second baseman Kallie Foglesong and senior third baseman Ashley Carter added singles to the Lady’Back cause.

Easley’s third home run of the year improved the team season total to 17 home runs, which sets the school record for home runs in a season.

Kentucky answered in the top of the second inning when the Wildcats scored two runs on two hits and an Arkansas error to pull within 4-2.

After a silent couple of innings, the Lady’Back offense returned strong with five runs on three hits to give Arkansas a 9-2 lead. Freshman shortstop Dayna Huckabee led the way with a three-run home run, which is her third of the season.

The Lady’Backs ended the game in the sixth with one run on two hits including freshman designated player Lindsay Perry’s first career hit.

Freshman Katy Henry (7-12) recorded the win as she threw six innings without giving up an earned run while allowing five hits.

In the second game, the Arkansas bats continued with three runs in the bottom of the first inning to give the Lady’Backs an early 3-0 lead.

After four scoreless innings, Carter changed the trend when she hit a solo home run over the left center field wall to improve her season total to three.

Sophomore pitcher Sarah Topham (3-5) won her first conference game of the season as she had five strikeouts while allowing three hits. Henry finished the game as she threw a perfect inning.

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