Lady'Backs Meet No. 4 Alabama in Final Series

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team host No. 4 Alabama in the last regular season series of the year with a doubleheader, Friday, May 5, at 5:00 p.m. The Lady Razorbacks are honoring the seniors before the final game of the series, Saturday, at 1:00 p.m.

The Lady’Backs (26-31, 10-16) are looking for their first win over the Crimson Tide (45-8, 22-4) since 2002. Last season, Alabama won the series, 4-0, 4-0 and 8-1.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said the Lady’Backs have a challenge with the Tide. Alabama has a chance to win the Southeastern Conference regular season title this weekend.

“They bring a lot of energy to the field,” he said. “They are one of the better hitting teams in the country. Coach (Patrick) Murphy always brings in a well coached team that has a good mix of power and speed.”

Pinkerton said he knows how important this series is for the postseason since the Lady’Backs are currently in seventh place in the conference standing and they have to finish in the top eight to qualify for the conference tournament, May 11-13.

“We have to play extremely well and hope that they have a bad series,” he said. “Hopefully, we can clinch a SEC tournament berth this weekend.”

Seniors Blaire Perry and Mindy O’Malley guide the Arkansas offense. Perry has a team-high .299 batting average while O’Malley leads the squad with 48 hits. In addition, sophomore Dayna Huckabee contributes 25 RBIs. Sophomore Katy Henry posts a team-best 2.17 ERA and 203 strikeouts in the circle.

On Saturday the first 200 fans will receive softballs, and the Lady’Backs will host an autograph session following the conclusion of the game.

For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.