Lady'Backs Open Conference Play at Home

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas softball team (10-11) begins Southeastern Conference play Tuesday, March 8, as the Lady Razorbacks host South Carolina (15-9) for a doubleheader starting at 4 p.m. The series concludes Wednesday, March 9, at 2 p.m.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he feels confident about opening the conference season at Lady’Backs Yard, where the is 6-1.

“Obviously, I’m excited to open at home,” Pinkerton said. “We are playing well at home right now. We have confidence playing at home and hopefully, we’ll take that into conference play.”

The Lady’Backs are 9-13 all-time against South Carolina with the Gamecocks sweeping Arkansas in Columbia, S.C. last season.

Pinkerton said he liked the Lady’Back offensive production at the Arkansas Invitational and is anticipating the challenge of the conference competition.

“I think we’re ready,” Pinkerton said. “I’m really proud of the offense. (Sophomore outfielder Rachel) LeMaster is off to a great start. She is catalyst for our offense. I’m happy to have three hitters over .300.”

LeMaster paces Arkansas with a team-high .406 batting average and 26 hits. Sophomore infielder Kallie Foglesong and junior designated player Barbara-Jean Southmayd both hit home runs at the invitational.

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