Arkansas Softball Fact Sheet #8
In the News
After a couple of Southeastern Conference series, the Lady Razorbacks host Stephen F. Austin in a non-conference doubleheader, Wednesday, March 16, at 4 p.m.
In Review
Arkansas traveled to Auburn, Ala., for it first road SEC series. Auburn defeated the Lady’Backs 4-0, 10-1, 10-2.
Last Week
The Lady’Backs opened SEC play as the hosted South Carolina. Arkansas couldn’t contain the Gamecocks as the Lady’Back were defeated 6-1, 3-0 and 5-3.
History
The mid-week contest marks the second meeting between Arkansas and SFA. The Ladyjacks beat the Lady’Backs 1-0, in their first meeting, Feb. 11, 2000 in Arlington, Texas.
Double Trouble
Freshman infielder Samantha Buckner recorded a pair of doubles against Western Division foe, Auburn. Buckner led the team in doubles and batting average with .333 mark in the Auburn series.
Three’s Company
Senior infielder Ashley Carter, sophomore outfielder Rachel LeMaster and Buckner tied for a team-high two hits against the Tigers. Carter hit a double, her fifth of the year, which ties for the team high.
Impact
In her first appearance of the season, sophomore pitcher Cassy Long derailed the Tigers as she threw three and two-thirds innings. Long shutout Auburn and only allowed one hit.
Leading the Way
Carter continues to be strong at the plate as she is second on the team in batting average with .301 and ties for second on the team with 22 hits.
Home Run Derby
For the first time in the 2005 season, the Lady’Backs hit multiple home runs in a game. In the March 9 game, Buckner and junior catcher Shana Easley recorded home runs.
Easy Does It
Easley led the Lady’Backs at the plate in the conference opener versus South Carolina. She was 5-for-9 with a double and a home run, her first of the year. Easley ranks third on the team in batting average at .297 and ties for the team-high in hits with 22.
Swingin’ Sammy
In the South Carolina series, Buckner was second on the team in hits with three and recorded a team-high two RBIs. Buckner’s two-run home run was her second of the season.
Caution
The Lady’Backs successfully stole two bases against South Carolina and Auburn. The Gamecocks didn’t even make an attempt. LeMaster had two stolen bases, senior outfielder Zenobia Davison finished with one and freshman outfielder Heather Rankin recorded her first stolen base of her career.
Charge
LeMaster continues to lead the Lady’Back offense. She has a team-high batting average (.366), hits (30) and stolen bases (10).
Rounds the Base
Junior Mindy O’Malley leads Arkansas in runs scored this season with 12. She is second on the team in stolen bases with six.
At the Plate
Sophomore infielder Kallie Foglesong leads the Arkansas team with 12 RBIs and five doubles. Foglesong only needs three RBIs and two doubles to surpass her 2004 season totals. She is third on the team with 21 hits and second in home runs with two.
Tough Cookie
Carter isn’t afraid of bumps and bruises as she leads the team in being hit by a pitch. She has seven this season and she took two at the invitational, including scoring Davison for the final run against Mississippi Valley State to give Arkansas the run-rule.
First Impression
In her first appearance of the year, junior pitcher Linzee Roby recorded five strikeouts at OU in six innings. Roby also held the Sooners scoreless for three innings.
Record Books
Freshman pitcher Katy Henry not only earned her first career win but she also wrote her name in the Arkansas record books. Against Louisiana-Monroe at the Lady’Backs Invitational, Henry finished with 15 strikeouts, which ties Heather Schlichtman for the second most strikeouts in a game.
Going, Going, Gone
Junior designated player Barbara-Jean Southmayd and Foglesong hit home runs in the Lady’Backs home debut, Feb. 26. Foglesong hit her first home run of the season against UMKC. Southmayd hit a three-run home run versus Louisiana-Monroe. The Feb. 26 home run performances marked the second time Arkansas has hit home runs in consecutive games.
No-No
Junior pitcher Valanna Lyons threw her first shutout of the year in the Lady’Backs 8-0 run-rule of Louisiana-Monroe. Lyons ended the invitational 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA.
Relief
Freshman pitcher Kelly Ninemire tallied her first career save against UMKC, Feb. 26. In three innings, Ninemire did not allow a run or a hit and had four strikeouts.
Out of the Park
Southmayd and 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.
Honors
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. LeMaster was a Las Cruces Hilton Classic All-Tournament Team selection.
Workaholics
O’Malley and Easley were consistent figure in the Arkansas lineup last season as they started all 58 games for the Lady’Backs. In 2005, Carter, Easley, Foglesong, LeMaster and O’Malley have started all 27 games.
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.
