Razorbacks and Lady Vols Set for Series Opener on Friday
FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas’ softball team is back on the road this weekend, continuing SEC play in Knoxville, Tennessee against the Volunteers. The three-game series is scheduled to begin on Friday (March 22) at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, first pitch slated for 3:00 pm (CT).
The Razorbacks (21-7, 3-3) and the Lady Volunteers (24-4, 2-1) will be meeting for the 54th time in program history. The series leans in favor of Tennessee, as the Lady Vols have taken 37 of the past 53 match ups. Arkansas though, took the series from Tennessee in 2017, 2-1 after winning games one and two of the weekend in Fayetteville. It was the first time since 2000 that Arkansas had won the series.
Keys to a Victory
The Razorback defense will have to be on their toes this weekend, as the Vols have scored nearly 30 unearned runs this season, capitalizing off opponent errors. Tennessee’s hot feet on the bases shouldn’t be of concern has only 11 attempts have been made on the Hog catchers this season, with only five stolen bases allowed.
Just Keep Running, Just Keep Running
Arkansas has looked to three different Razorbacks to add speed to the bases this season: freshman Sam Torres, sophomore Keely Edwards, and senior Carley Haizlip. Together the trio has contributed 21 runs with Edwards leading the group with nine runs.
Reaching for the Stars – Or First Base
Hannah McEwen is headed into the week riding a 24-game reached-base streak, McEwen has earned a hit in all but two games this season, she also rides an 12-game hit streak into the weekend as well.
In the Rearview
The Razorbacks strung together seven-runs in the sixth inning of Saturday’s game against #16 South Carolina, to erase a four-run deficit and defeat the Gamecocks and secure the series with a 7-4 victory. The seven runs is the most scored in an inning by the Hogs this season and was highlighted by back-to-back home runs, a go-ahead grand slam by Ashley Diaz and a solo by Aly Manzo.
Next Up
The Razorbacks will stay on the road for a non-conference mid-week game at UT-Arlington on Tuesday (March 26). Arkansas and UTA are scheduled for a double-header to begin at 11:30 at (CT).
In the Polls
After dropping three-straight games to unranked teams, the Razorbacks dropped in the polls but remained in the top 20. A series win over #16 South Carolina helped the Hogs cruise into Week 6 ranked #15 by USA Today/NFCA, #18 by ESPN/USA Softball and #18 by Softball America
How to Watch
Game 1 : Live Scoring | ESPNU
Game 2 : Live Scoring | SEC Network
Game 3 : Live Scoring | ESPNU
For all Razorback softball news and information, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com and follow the Hogs on Twitter at @RazorbackSB, on Facebook at Razorback Softball and on Instagram at @Razorback_SB. Fans can also follow head coach Courtney Deifel on twitter at @CoachDeifel.
