Henry and Topham Solid Lady'Backs Split

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas softball team (16-35) received quality starts in the circle as pitchers freshman Katy Henry and sophomore Sarah Topham combined for one earned run in the Oklahoma City (37-10) doubleheader, Tuesday, April 19 at Lady’Back Yard. The Lady Razorbacks fell to the Stars 1-0 before Arkansas charged back 7-4 in game two.

Arkansas didn’t waste anytime scoring in the nightcap as the Lady’Backs scored three runs on four hits in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead.

When sophomore right fielder Rachel LeMaster stole her 20th base of the season, she tied senior infielder Blaire Perry for second on the school list for stolen bases in a season but LeMaster wasn’t finished. LeMaster stole second base in the second inning to take sole possession of second in the record books.

The Lady’Back offense continued in the second inning as Arkansas scored three runs on three hits for a 6-0 advance. Freshman first baseman Samantha Buckner capped the inning with a double down the left field line.

Oklahoma City rallied back in the top of the third inning as the Stars scored three runs on three hits to cut into Arkansas’ lead 6-3.

Topham (2-5) threw six and one-third innings and recorded five strikeouts while giving up six hits without an earned runs. Henry earned her first save of her career as she finished the game.

The Lady’Backs added another run in the third inning when senior left fielder Zenobia Davison, who reached on an error, stole home.

In its final attempt, Oklahoma City added one run in the top of the seventh inning on two hits and one Arkansas error.

Offensively, junior center fielder Mindy O’Malley led the Arkansas crew as she was 3-for-4 at the plate with a stolen base.

In game one, Oklahoma City struck first to take a 1-0 lead on two hits in the top of the third inning. The Stars used a pair of singles and a sacrifice bunt to post the advantage.

Starting pitcher Henry (6-12) was a force on the mound as she recorded nine strikeouts while allowing the Stars six hits.

At the plate, sophomore designated player Topham led the Lady’Backs with two hits while O’Malley recorded her third triple of the season.

For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to www.ladybacks.com.