Arkansas hosts Stephen F. Austin

FAYETTEVILLE - The University of Arkansas softball team will host the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks on Tuesday, March 12 at 5 p.m. in Bogle Park.

Arkansas (18-7) went picked up two wins over the weekend, defeating Utah Valley University in games one and two by scores of 3-0 and 5-0, respectively. The Razorbacks dropped the finale of the series, 3-1. Pitching led the way to a successful weekend as Arkansas pitchers gave up only three runs in 21 innings pitched. The Razorbacks in the circle struck out 25 batters and walked only three.

The Razorbacks now turn their attention to the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks.  The Ladyjacks are 6-16 so far in 2013. They have notched quality wins over North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Louisiana Tech. They have been shutout so far against SEC competition and were outscored 20-0 in three games against Texas A&M. SFA is lead in hitting by Shalie Day. She leads the team with a .293 batting average and has three doubles this season. In the circle SFA is led by Carlie Thomas, she has five of the six wins for the Ladyjacks in 2013. This will conclude a 14-game homestand for Arkansas.

Arkansas, now 25 games into its schedule, has been led in hitting by sophomore, Devon Wallace. She garnered SEC player of the week for her performance in the Woo Pig Classic from March 1-3. She is hitting .500 this season, good for second in the SEC. She also has leads the SEC with 34 walks and a .691 on base percentage. Also hitting well this season has been the nine-hole hitter, Chloe Oprzedek. She is hitting .394, which is third on the team. She is second on the team in runs scored with 25. The junior also has 11 extra-base hits including five homeruns. Her hit streak stands at eight games heading into this week.

In the circle it has been Chelsea Cohen that has developed into the ace on the staff. She is 8-3 this season and leads the team with 62 innings pitched. The senior captain is sixth in the SEC this season with 84 strikeouts. Her classmate, Hope McLemore has also been brilliant in her eight appearances this year. She is fourth in the SEC with a 1.05 ERA and has allowed five earned runs in her 33 innings pitched.

Sophomore, Kimmy Beasley has stepped in as the main reliever on the team in 2013. She leads the team with three saves and currently sits at a 2.36 ERA. The 2012 All-SEC freshman team performer has 56 strikeouts in 35 innings of work this season.

Next up for the Razorbacks will be the start of an eight-game road trip. The Razorbacks will travel to College Station, Texas to take on the Texas A&M Aggies to start the trip. Game one of the series is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 15.