LeMaster Records Three Hits in Heartbreaker

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas-Following a day of unscheduled rest and relaxation, the University of Arkansas softball team finished the Islander Invitational as Sam Houston State defeated the Lady Razorbacks 1-0.

Sophomore designed player Rachel LeMaster led the Lady’Backs with a team-high, three hits.

Junior Valanna Lyons was a force in the circle as she recorded six strikeouts in the loss.

Head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he was pleased with the performance of the pitching staff.

“I thought Valanna pitched well,” Pinkerton said. “The pitching staff did a good job this weekend.”

Sam Houston State struck first in the top of the third inning as senior designed player Erin Lindsey hit a leadoff single. After a pair of sacrifice bunts, freshman first baseman Elizabeth Gibson singled up the middle to give the Bearkats a 1-0 lead.

Arkansas tried to answer in the bottom of the third as LeMaster and sophomore infielder Kallie Foglesong recorded singles but with two outs the rally was halted when senior infielder Ashley Carter hit a hard line-drive to first base.

The Lady’Backs attempted another rally in the bottom of the fifth inning when junior outfielder Mindy O’Malley hit a two-out, infield single. LeMaster followed with an infield single but the runners were left on base as Foglesong hit a ground ball to the pitcher.

Both Arkansas and Sam Houston State missed scoring opportunities as eight base runners were left stranded for both teams.

Pinkerton said he was disappointed with the Lady’Backs offensive production as Arkansas recorded six hits but were shutout.

“We don’t win games if we don’t score,” Pinkerton said.

The Lady’Backs return to Fayetteville for their home opener as Arkansas host the Lady’Back Invitational, Feb. 26-27.

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