Lady'Backs Travel to No. 12 Oklahoma

FAYETTEVILLE-The University of Arkansas softball team plays its first doubleheader of the season when the Lady Razorbacks travel to Norman, Okla., March 2, to face Oklahoma at 3 p.m. at the OU Softball Complex.

The Lady Razorbacks take a three-game winning streak into the contest against the Sooners. This is the seventh meeting between the programs. Arkansas is 0-6 versus Oklahoma all-time. In the last meeting, the Lady’Backs fell 3-2, Feb. 20, 2001 against the No. 2 Sooners in Fayetteville.

The live webcast of the Arkansas-Oklahoma doubleheader is available, online at www.ladybacks.com.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he expects a challenge from the Sooners, who are on a 13-game winning streak.

“It’s going to be a good game for us to see where we are at,” Pinkerton said. “Oklahoma has a great team. Coach (Patty) Gasso has OU playing well. It’s tough to win in Norman.”

Pinkerton has had success against the Sooners as he is 2-8 versus OU as a head coach. While at Tulsa, Pinkerton was the only Golden Hurricane coach to defeat Oklahoma.

Sophomore infielder Rachel LeMaster leads the Lady’Backs with a .422 batting average and 19 hits. Junior pitcher Valanna Lyons paces Arkansas in the circle with a 2.73 ERA and 43 strikeouts.

Arkansas improved to 7-8 after winning the Lady’Back Invitational, Feb. 27. The Lady’Backs defeated Missouri-Kansas City 7-1, and Louisiana-Monroe 6-1, 8-0, in Arkansas’ home debut.

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