Lady'Backs Open April with No. 5 Tennessee

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team hosts No. 5 Tennessee in a doubleheader, Saturday, April 1, at 1:00 p.m. The series concludes Sunday at noon; the game was moved from its original time of 1:00 p.m. because of Tennessee’s travel schedule.

The Lady Razorbacks (16-18, 5-7) are returning to Southeastern Conference action after the Border War in Tulsa, Okla., March 29, while the Lady Vols (30-4, 5-4) just swept Kentucky, in Lexington, Ky., March 29-30.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he understands the challenge the Lady’Backs face this weekend when junior all-American pitcher Monica Abbott leads the Lady Vols into Fayetteville.

“Tennessee is probably one of the best teams in the SEC,” he said. “They have one of the best pitchers in the conference. We’re looking forward to having them in town to see how we match up.”

The Lady’Backs are 10-15 against Tennessee in the all-time series. Last season in Knoxville, the Lady Vols recorded a pair of wins, 6-0 and 2-1.

Junior Rachel LeMaster and senior Blaire Perry lead the Arkansas offense with 30 hits while LeMaster has a team-high .294 average. In the circle, sophomore Katy Henry (9-7) posts a 2.37 ERA.

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