Henry Solid in Heartbreaker Lady'Backs Fall

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas softball team gave No. 13 Georgia a scare as the Lady Razorbacks fell 1-0 in the first game of the doubleheader, Friday, March 25, at Lady’Back Yard.

The Bulldogs recorded 13 hits as they won the second game of the Southeastern Conference series 10-0. The series concludes Saturday, March 26, at 1 p.m.

Freshman pitcher Katy Henry (4-8) was the star of the first game for the Lady’Backs as she threw a complete game with five strikeouts while giving up five hits and only one walk.

Arkansas softball head coach said he was impressed with Henry’s performance as the freshman leads the Lady’Back pitching staff.

“Her (Henry) last three starts have been quality starts,” Pinkerton said. “Katy’s the number one right now.”

The first game of the doubleheader was scoreless until the sixth inning when Georgia scored to take a 1-0 lead. The Bulldogs used two hits to take the lead on a unique double play.

Georgia began its rally when senior designated player Kim Wendland singled up the middle then sophomore first baseman Megan McAllister followed with a double to left center field.

With runners on second and third with one out, freshman third baseman Jessica Doucette hit a deep fly ball to right center field that junior center fielder Mindy O’Malley caught after a collision with sophomore right fielder Rachel LeMaster. O’Malley threw out McAllister at second after a she left early on the play.

Sophomore pinch runner Melissa Cook scored on the play from third and after the umpires had a lengthy discussion it was ruled that the run that scored counts.

The Lady’Backs best scoring chance came in the sixth inning when LeMaster hit an infield single then she advanced to second on a sophomore second baseman Kallie Foglesong sacrifice bunt. But LeMaster was stranded when junior catcher Shana Easley popped up to shortstop and senior pinch hitter Ashley Carter struck out.

In the second game, the Georgia bats came alive in the first inning. The Bulldogs scored two runs on four hits to take a 2-0 lead.

Pinkerton said he was happy with the Lady’Backs performance in the first game but was frustrated with the outcome of the night cap.

“I feel this is a pattern with this team, we play well in the first game and then can’t grow and play better in the second game,” Pinkerton said. “I see us making progress and then we take a step or two back.”

Georgia continued to hit the ball as they added three runs in the second inning and two runs in the third inning. After Arkansas held Georgia to five hits in the first game, the second game was different story.

Junior pitcher Valanna Lyons (6-11) recorded the loss as freshman pitcher Kelly Ninemire and sophomore pitcher Cassy Long threw in relief.

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