Lady'Backs Deliver Home Runs Records in Debut

FAYETTEVILLE-In its home debut, the University of Arkansas softball team recorded a pair of wins on the first day of the Lady’Back Invitational, Saturday, Feb 26.

The Lady Razorbacks defeated Missouri-Kansas City 7-1 with sophomore Kallie Foglesong setting the tone with a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning.

In the second game, freshman pitcher Katy Henry led Arkansas to a 6-1 victory over Louisiana-Monroe. Henry struck out 15 batters, which ties for the second most strikeouts in a game in Arkansas history.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was pleased with his team’s showing in their first appearance at Lady’Back Yard in the 2005 season.

“I was really happy with our offensive production,” Pinkerton said. “We had all three facets of the game working.”

In the first game, Foglesong gave Arkansas a 1-0 lead when she hit her first home run of the season. Foglesong finished with three hits against UMKC.

The Lady’Backs added three runs in the second inning on three hits. With the bases loaded, Foglesong recorded her second RBI of the game with a single up the middle. Senior infielder Ashley Carter followed as she scored freshman infielder Samantha Buckner on a fielder’s choice. Junior catcher Shana Easley continued the inning with a center field single that scored sophomore outfielder Rachel LeMaster.

Junior pitcher Valanna Lyons only allowed one run as she collected her fourth win of the season. UMKC scored in top of the third inning to trail the Lady’Backs 4-1.

Arkansas scored three runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth inning to seal the victory with freshman Kelly Ninemire earning her first career save as she shutout the Kangaroos in three innings.

The Lady’Backs recorded a season-high 13 hits with freshman infielder Dayna Huckabee,junior designated player Barbara-JeanSouthmayd,Buckner and Easleycontributing two hits apiece.

In the second game, Arkansas jumped to an early lead scoring five runs in the bottom of the second inning. Along with a record performance, Henry earned her first career win as a Lady’Back.

Pinkerton said he was delighted with the accomplishments of his freshmen pitchers as they set career best marks.

“Katy dominated,” Pinkerton said. “That was a heck of a performance. I’m really proud of her. I was extremely pleased with her outing.”

In the second inning, Southmayd hit a three-run home run, giving the Lady’Backs a 3-0 lead. Following a Louisiana-Monroe error, senior Zenobia Davison recorded a RBI with her first career triple. Davison scored when junior outfielder Mindy O’Malley hit a sacrifice fly to center field.

With a 6-0 lead in the sixth inning, Henry gave up her lone run of the game as sophomore catcher Heather Williams hit a home run.

Action continues at Lady’Back Yard Sunday, Feb. 27, with games beginning at 11 a.m. Arkansas meets Louisiana-Monroe at 1 p.m.

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