Lady'Back softball takes on Ole Miss

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team takes on the University of Mississippi, traveling to Oxford, Miss., this weekend for a Southeastern Conference three-game series. Saturday’s doubleheader and Sunday’s game both begin at 1 p.m. Arkansas enters the weekend with a 17-33 record and a 4-12 mark in the SEC and with just three conference series remaining in the regular season, the Lady’Backs look for some wins. “This is a critical series because we have to continue winning series or sweeping series to get into position to make the SEC tournament and to have a good seeding,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton. “We’re in a position that if we take care of business we’re in the thick of it. If we can win two out of three or sweep the series it would be huge. If we take one then we’re putting ourselves in a must win situation and need help from other teams. We have destiny in our own hands.” The Lady’Backs come into the series after upsetting No. 23 Florida, 1-0, this past Sunday. Arkansas lost the series, however, after dropping both games to the Gators on Saturday, 0-4 and 0-5. The Lady’Backs split with Kansas in midweek action, 2-4 and 6-1. “We’re starting to peek our head around the corner and we’re playing well right now,” said Pinkerton. “Winning on the road in the SEC is huge and to do it against a ranked team gives us momentum into this weekend.” Ole Miss enters the weekend after dropping its last SEC series to Mississippi State this past weekend. After winning Friday’s game 3-2, the Rebels lost Saturday 4-7 and 0-8. Mississippi defeated Mississippi Valley State 4-0 Wednesday. Freshman Jessica Bachkora has led the Lady’Backs offensively all season, and is hitting .314 with nine doubles and 25 runs scored. Sophomore Whitney Cloer has been coming on strong as of late and is batting .301 with five home runs and 23 RBIs. Katy Henry tops the pitching staff with 11 wins and 186 strikeouts in 40 appearances. The Rebels are led by Mary Jane Callahan who has a team-best 1.91 ERA and 89 strikeouts in the circle and a .325 average at the plate. Lauren Grill has provided the power in the Rebel lineup with 11 home runs, good for second in the SEC. Arkansas is 24-10 all-time against Ole Miss and won the last SEC series. The Lady’Backs split with the Rebels Saturday, March 21, losing 1-2 and winning 4-3. Arkansas then run-ruled Ole Miss with a 9-0 victory on Sunday. Fans can follow all the Lady’Back softball action live this weekend. The SEC series will air on LADYBACKS.COM and fans in Fayetteville can tune in to KXUA 88.3 FM to hear the action. For more information, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.