Softball Prepares For Second Fall Scrimmage

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas softball team prepares for its second scrimmage of the fall season Sunday, Sept. 26. The Lady Razorbacks host a round-robin format tournament against Northeastern A&M, Northeastern State and Texarkana College at Lady’Back Yard. Games begin at 9 a.m. with the Lady’Backs taking on NEO in the 11 a.m. game. Head coach Jamie Pinkerton said NEO, a traditional powerhouse in the junior college ranks, is tough competition for the Lady’Backs in Arkansas’ first game. “They are a solid ball club that will provide us a challenge,” he said. “Their pitching is good, and we’re expecting a competitive game.” Arkansas meets Texarkana College at 3 p.m. and then Northeastern State in the nightcap at 7 p.m. Pinkerton said the last game of the tournament is a measuring stick for Arkansas. “Another four-year institution gives us an idea of where we are at,” he said. The Lady’Backs are 3-0 for the fall after their Sept. 19 scrimmage. Sophomore Sarah Topham led the pitching staff as she threw a no-hitter in five innings. The left-hander fanned eight and walked two. Pinkerton said he was happy with the Lady’Backs performance in the first three games of the fall season and hopes to build on the foundation that was set in the opener. “I was pleased with all three facets,” he said. “Offensively we executed, defensive we only had one error and our pitching was solid. All three facets were miles ahead of where I thought we would be at this point.” Junior college transfer Linzee Roby and freshman Kelly Ninemire also recorded wins in their first appearances as Lady’Backs. Junior Valanna Lyons, freshman Katy Henry and sophomore Cassy Long were also in the circle for Arkansas. The Lady’Back pitching staff combined for a 1.29 ERA and 26 strike outs while allowing 13 hits. Offensively, senior Ashley Carter paced the Lady’Backs with six hits and two RBIs. Junior Barbara-Jean Southmayd contributed with a team high .667 batting average and sophomore Kallie Foglesong added three hits including a right field triple and three RBIs. The Lady’Backs conclude the fall season Oct. 2 at Lady’Back Yard with Carl Albert, Evangel and Southwest Missouri State traveling to Fayetteville for the last scrimmage of the preseason. For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to www.ladybacks.com.