Lady'Backs in Lone Star State for Invitational

FAYETTEVILLE-For the third consecutive weekend the University of Arkansas softball team is on the road for a tournament. The Lady Razorbacks travel to Corpus Christi, Texas to compete in the Islander Invitational Feb. 18-20. On Friday, Feb. 18, the Lady’Backs face Texas-Arlington at 1 p.m. and tournament host, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 19 Arkansas meets Sam Houston State at 11:30 a.m. and Texas-Arlington at 3:30 p.m. The Lady’Backs conclude the invitational with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20.

Arkansas defeated Texas-Arlington 5-4 in the opening game of the Las Cruces Hilton Classic in Las Cruces, N.M. with a season hit five doubles.

Head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was pleased with the offensive production of the Lady’Backs in the first two tournaments of the year.

“I think we are hitting the ball better than I would have anticipated at this point in the season,” Pinkerton said. “Our hitting is ahead of our pitching.”

In the circle, junior Valanna Lyons leads the Lady’Backs with a 3-2 record and a team-high 25 strikeouts. Pinkerton said Lyons paces the young pitching staff that includes two juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen.

“Valanna’s thrown well,” Pinkerton said. “She’s gutted out a couple wins with a big win over Purdue. The freshmen threw better in their relief appearances. So hopefully we will continue to improve.”

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