Arkansas Softball Fact Sheet #4
In the News
Arkansas travels to Corpus Christi, Texas for the Islander Invitational, Feb. 18-20. The Lady Razorbacks open the tournament Friday, Feb. 18, with Texas-Arlington at 1 p.m. followed by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, Arkansas takes on Sam Houston State at 11:30 a.m. and Texas-Arlington at 3:30 p.m. The Lady’Backs conclude the invitational with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20.
In Review
The Lady’Backs moved to 4-5 after going 2-2 in the Las Cruces Hilton Classic. Arkansas defeated Purdue 7-6 and Texas-Arlington 5-4, while losing to Kansas 5-1 and New Mexico State 8-3.
History
When Arkansas meets Texas-Arlington Friday, it marks the second meeting of the year. The Lady’Backs defeated the Lady Mavericks at the Las Cruces Hilton Classic 5-4. The match-up against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is only the second meeting between the programs as the Lady’Backs are 0-1 versus the Islanders.
At Bat
Sophomore outfielder Rachel LeMaster led the Lady’Backs in offensive production at the Las Cruces Hilton Classic. LeMaster recorded a team high batting average (.615), hits (8), triples (1), RBIs (3), slugging percentage (.769) and on-base percentage (.643). Against Kansas, LeMaster hit her first career triple. She was also named to the all-tournament team
Motive
Junior Mindy O’Malley uses her speed to be perfect in steals at the Las Cruces Hilton Classic, she finished 2-2. O’Malley also tied for a team high in doubles (2).
Offense
Five Lady’Backs finished the Las Cruces Hilton Classic with batting averages over .300. LeMaster (.615), senior infielder Ashley Carter (.538), freshman infielder Dayna Huckabee (.333), O’Malley (.308) and junior catcher Shana Easley (.308) paced the Arkansas crew.
Round the bases
Easley tied for a team high three RBIs with four hits at the Las Cruces Hilton Classic.
Out of the Park
Junior infielder Barbara-Jean Southmayd and freshman infielder Samantha Buckner recorded two-run, home runs in consecutive games. Southmayd’s home run was her first of the season in the 7-6 victory over Purdue. Buckner’s home run against New Mexico State was the first career of her career.
Perfect
Junior Valanna Lyons was 2-0 at the Las Cruces Hilton Classic and she threw a complete game against Purdue. Lyons recorded a team high 11 strikeouts at the classic.
Beginning
The Lady’Backs opened the 2005 season with a 2-3 record at the Mustang Roundup in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Feb. 4-6. Arkansas defeated Nevada and Colorado State while losing to Sacramento State, Cal Poly and Colorado State.
Honors
Sophomore second baseman Kallie Foglesong and O’Malley were named to the Mustang Roundup All-Tournament team. The award marks the first career honor for Foglesong and O’Malley
Rookies No More
Foglesong and sophomore pitcher Sarah Topham led the Lady’Backs in the first weekend of the season. Foglesong paced the Arkansas squad offensively in batting average (.417) and hits (5). Topham set the standard in the circle with wins (1) and strikeouts (17).
For the Team
Arkansas showed its toughness as the Lady’Backs collected four hit by the pitches outnumbering opponents four to two. Foglesong took two of the pitches.
Perfection
The Lady’Backs were perfect in stolen bases attempts as they completed all seven tries. LeMaster led the team with three stolen bases.
Speed
O’Malley used her quickness to lead the Lady’Backs in runs scored at the Mustang Roundup with four. She was also second on the team in batting average (.308).
Take Two
Carter led the Lady’Backs in doubles as two of her three hits were doubles. Carter was the only Lady’Back with multiply RBIs (4).
Back in the Circle
In three appearances, Lyons recorded one win and 14 strikeouts.
Back for More
Arkansas returns 11 players from the 2004 roster. The Lady’Backs have three seniors Ashley Carter, Zenobia Davison and Blaire Perry, who is third on the Arkansas career list for stolen bases and holds the school record for sacrifice hits in a season.
In the Box
Sophomore Rachel LeMaster led the Lady’Back offense last season with a .298 batting average. LeMaster also recorded a team high 45 hits and .333 on-base percentage.
Last Dance
Senior Blaire Perry returns for her final season after a productive junior campaign as she led the team in runs (19), triples (2) and slugging percentage (.329) last season.
Fabulous Freshman
Sophomore Kallie Foglesong was a vital piece of the offense for the Lady’Backs last year as she led the team in four offensive categories including doubles (7), home runs (4), RBIs (15) and slugging percentage (.329).
Workaholics
Juniors Mindy O’Malley and Shana Easley were consistent figure in the Arkansas lineup last season as they started and played all 58 games for the Lady’Backs.
Makeover
In 2005, Arkansas will have a new look in the circle with the graduation of Heather Schlichtman. The Lady’Backs return junior Valanna Lyons, sophomores Sarah Topham and Cassy Long to replace Schlichtman. Newcomers include junior Linzee Roby, freshmen Kelly Ninemire and Katy Henry.
The Next Chapter
First-year head coach Jamie Pinkerton begins his tenure with the Lady Razorbacks after four successful seasons as the head coach of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane softball team. Pinkerton was a two-time Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
Pinkerton’s staff includes former TU assistant coach Tiffany Redding-Pitts and former Lady’Back Aly Sartini.
