Razorbacks earn SEC softball honors

FAYETTEVILLE - University of Arkansas slugger Devon Wallace has become the first Razorback to earn the title of Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year, the league announced on Wednesday. She is also the first Razorback to earn First Team All-SEC honors.

Wallace, an outfielder/ designated player, leads the team with a .345 batting average, 14 home runs, 36 RBI and 37 runs scored. She is also second with 48 hits.

As the lead-off batter for the Razorbacks, Wallace has ranked in the top 25 in the NCAA in on-base percentage and walks throughout the season. She has recorded an on-base percentage of .538 while walking 51times.

As a freshman, Wallace led the SEC in home runs (12), on-base-percentage (.549), slugging percentage (.901) and walks (26) during conference play. She was also second in the league in total bases and ranks top-10 in seven different categories.

With such high numbers overall, Wallace broke two single season school records, in on-base percentage and walks. She also ranks in the top ten in five other categories in the Razorback record books including batting average, slugging percentage, runs scored, home runs and total bases.

Wallace, only a freshman, has already made Arkansas's individual career records, coming in at seventh in walks and tied for seventh in homeruns. 

"I knew Devon was going to be a very special hitter when I recruiter her," says head coach Mike Larabee. "But never in my wildest imagination would I believe that she would have type of freshman year. These honors couldn't be given to a better person; she has put a lot of time and effort into her training. I think if she continues to dedicate herself to the sport and continues to work hard, she could become one of the best hitters in the country."

Kimmy Beasley also received honors from the SEC, being named to the Freshman All-SEC Team. Beasley, who was named SEC Freshman of the Week two times this season, has had a solid freshman campaign collecting wins over two top 10 teams against No. 3 Alabama and then-No. 7 Baylor.

Beasley, who has an ERA of 3.32, appeared in 31 games this season while starting 19 in the circle for the Razorbacks. She has thrown 124.1 innings while collecting 97 strikeouts and only allowing 36 walks. Beasley a native of Foreman, Ark., is only the fifth Razorback to be named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.

"Kimmy came in as our project," says Larabee. "She has improved immensely since she has been on campus. She came in throwing in the low 60's to now throwing consistently in the mid 60's. I don't know if I have ever had a player that has shown so much improvement in this small time span. Never really playing on a competitive travel ball team is another testament to her showing how hard she has worked to get where she is now. I am very proud of both of these players, they are very deserving."

Arkansas finished the regular season with a record of 27-26 and awaits a potential bid to the NCAA Tournament which will be announced Sunday at 9 p.m. on ESPN U. For more information on Arkansas softball please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.