Arkansas softball set for first practice

FAYETTEVILLE –The University of Arkansas softball team is set to begin its first practice of the 2007 season Saturday, Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. at Lady’Back Yard. If needed, the Lady’Backs will practice indoors at the Willard & Pat Walker Pavilion. “What we’re going to do is basically get out, knock the rust off and get the ladies back into a routine,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton. “We’ll do some conditioning, work on offensive and defensive fundamentals and get back into the flow of a structured practice. We want to work on what we built in the fall and carry that into progression to take us up to opening day.” Arkansas’ first regular season game is slated for Feb. 9-11, when the Lady’Backs travel to Tampa, Fla., for the University of South Florida-Best Western Tournament facing the host Bulls along with Virginia and Western Kentucky. The Lady Razorbacks host their home opener, the Clarion Inn-Lady’Back Invitational, Feb. 23-25 welcoming UMKC, Wichita State, Colorado State and Missouri. Arkansas opens Southeastern Conference play March 10 at home against South Carolina. The Lady’Backs return a solid core of players paced by senior Rachel LeMaster and welcome eight newcomers. For more information about Arkansas softball or for schedule and ticket information log on to LADYBACKS.COM.