Lady'Backs Tally Second Conference Win

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team (13-13, 2-4) recorded its first Southeastern Conference win at home when the Lady Razorbacks defeated No. 22 Mississippi State (23-7, 2-1), 4-2, Sunday, March 19.

Senior outfielder Mindy O’Malley, senior pitcher Blaire Perry and freshman infielder Sandra Smith led the team as they each went 2-for-3 at the plate.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was pleased with how the Lady’Backs bounced back after Saturday’s doubleheader.

“Obviously, Sunday is our day,” he said. “We picked up some hitting after a slow start and we had timely hitting. This team is young. They are learning how to win and win close games.”

After failing behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Lady’Backs took a 3-2 lead in the third inning on one hit and three Mississippi State errors.

Freshman infielder Carrie Egnor started the inning with a walk followed by O’Malley reaching on an error. O’Malley then stole second to place the tying run in scoring position.

With two outs, senior catcher Shana Easley came to the plate and hit a high fly ball to left field, which fell out of sophomore outfielder Nakita Boyce’s glove allowing Egnor and O’Malley to score on the error. The Lady’Backs scored their final run of the inning when freshman pinch runner Brandy Baze crossed the plate on a Smith single.

Smith started the sixth inning for the Lady’Backs with a double that bounced off the top of the wall. Freshman pinch runner Hillary Freeman advanced to third on a sacrifice and then scored when Perry recorded an infield single.

Perry (5-5) earned the win with five strikeouts in four innings of work. Sophomore Katy Henry collected her third save of the season and gave up only one hit in three innings.

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