Wallace ranks nationally

FAYETTEVILLE - Freshman Devon Wallace, a native of Double Oaks, Texas, has shown that she is a main staple at the plate for the University of Arkansas softball team. Wallace currently ranks second in the NCAA in walks per game with a total of 31 and is also 13th in the nation with a .548 on-base percentage.

While starting all 30 games of the 2012 season thus far, Wallace has maintained a batting average .363 while being the lead-off hitter for a majority of the games played.

"I am very picky at the plate," says Wallace. "I try and wait for solid pitch to take advantage of. Some pitchers throw balls to try and make batters chase, so I try to be calm and patient at the plate."

Wallace leads the Razorbacks in almost every offensive category including batting average, slugging percentage at .633, on-base percentage, runs scored with 21, RBI with 20, and walks with 31. She is tied for first for homeruns on the season with six and she comes in at second in with 29 hits and 53 total bases.

"The thing that sets Devon apart from others is she is a very gifted and special hitter," says head coach Mike Larabee. "I believe if Devon keeps working like she has been she has the potential to be one of the best hitters in the country."

The outstanding freshman not only ranks high in team statistics, Wallace is keeping up with the pace the big leaguers of the Southeastern Conference. Eleven games into conference play Wallace ranks in eight different offensive categories leading in homeruns with four in conference games. The freshman comes in ranked second in walks with 10, third in total bases with 25, fourth in slugging percentage at .833, fifth in on base percentage, sixth with total plate appearances being 42, 10th in hits with 11 and15th in batting average at .367.  When most players struggle with the tough competition of SEC play, Wallace is excelling.

"Transitioning from non-conference play to SEC play has been a huge jump," said Wallace. "I am facing some of the best pitchers in the country with some being All-Americans. Being given the opportunity to play in the SEC against such a high level of competition really makes me excited and pumps me up."

Wallace comes to Arkansas from Marcus High School where she was a three-time offensive player of the year in her district. She helped her high school advance to the regional quarterfinals of the 2010 and 2011 Texas Class 5A State Championship playoffs. She was also named to the District 8-5A first team all four season of her high school career.

The Razorbacks have 23 games left in their 2012 regular season including six SEC matchups.

"My goal is to keep getting better throughout the rest of the season," says Wallace. "This is my first time seeing the intensity of NCAA softball and I am hoping to learn from it and improve for my future."