Lady'Backs Split in Extra Inning Games

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas softball team won its home opener against Drake, 1-0, in eight innings, Friday, Feb. 24, in the Lady’Back Invitational.

But 10 innings wasn’t enough to defeat Penn State as the Lady Razorbacks fell 3-2 in their second game of the round-robin tournament.

In the first game, junior pinch hitter Meagan Harney recorded the game-winning RBI with a double in the eighth inning that scored freshman Brandy Baze. Freshman infielder Kayla Johnson was vital as she dropped a great bunt that moved Baze from second to third. Baze began the inning at second base due to the international tie-breaker rules.

Senior catcher Shana Easley went 2-for-3 in the game, while junior Kayce Odle threw a complete game with seven strikeouts for her first career win as Lady’Back.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was pleased with the Lady’Backs performance especially in the circle.

“The main thing, even though we split, we got better with a very young ball club. In the first game, I thought we played well but didn’t hit the ball well,” he said. “I’m real happy with Odle and (senior Blaire) Perry’s performances. It’s the first good back to back pitching performance that we’ve had. If we can do that, we’ll be fine.”

After a scoreless seven innings against Penn State, each team scored a run in the eighth. For the Lady’Backs, sophomore infielder Dayna Huckabee scored on a fielder’s choice.

In the top of the tenth inning, Penn State scored when sophomore infielder Jen Acunto hit a two-run home run over the left field wall.

The Lady’Backs attempted a comeback in the bottom of the inning when Johnson singled down the right field line to score freshman outfielder Jocelyne Moncrief from second.

The team continues play in the tournament, Saturday, at 1 p.m. against North Dakota State. For more information on Arkansas softball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.