Lady'Backs Home Win Streak Snapped

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team’s nine-game home win streak was broken, Thursday, March 16, when Oklahoma City (17-3) edged the Lady Razorbacks (12-11), 7-6.

Oklahoma City jumped on the scoreboard 2-0 in the top of the first inning using two hits, which were both doubles.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was unhappy with the Lady’Back performance in the non-conference game.

“They (Oklahoma City) are a type of ball club that you can’t take lightly,” he said. “Once again the big inning hurt us, we get in trouble and we lose.”

Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the fifth, junior outfielder Meagan Harney began the inning with a leadoff double. Then freshman infielder Kayla Johnson followed with a walk before sophomore infielder Dayna Huckabee recorded a two-RBI triple, her third of the season.

Currently, Huckabee leads the team with 13 RBIs and three walks, while posting a .292 batting average. Pinkerton said he was delighted with Huckabee’s performance this season.

“She is an incredible athlete,” Pinkerton said. “I’m real pleased with Dayna Huckabee.”

The Stars answered in the top of the sixth as they scored four runs on three hits and a Lady’Back error to regain the lead, 7-3.

The Arkansas offense continued in the bottom of the sixth when the Lady’Backs scored three runs on two hits. Freshman infielder Sandra Smith started the inning with a walk and then Perry and senior outfielder Mindy O’Malley tallied a pair of singles to load the bases.

Sophomore pinch hitter Samantha Buckner recorded an RBI on a groundout to start the rally. Perry scored on a fielder’s choice and O’Malley crossed the plate before freshman infielder Carrie Egnor was caught in a run down to pull the Lady’Backs within one, 7-6.

Sophomore Katy Henry started the game but senior Blaire Perry and junior Kayce Odle threw in relief. Henry (6-4) took the loss but still had eight strikeouts, while Odle didn’t give up a hit to the Stars.

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