Razorback softball advances to NCAA Tournament

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For the second consecutive season, the Arkansas softball team has earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, it was announced Sunday evening. The Razorbacks will take on the University of Tulsa in game one of the Norman Regional Friday, May 15. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the OU Softball Complex. Arkansas and Tulsa are joined by Oklahoma and North Dakota State in the regional.“Obviously, I’m excited about reaching the NCAA Tournament,” head coach Jamie Pinkerton said. “This is a great achievement for our student-athletes and our program to make the tournament in back-to-back seasons for the first time. It will be a tough region, as always, but if we play like we’re capable and have the right frame of mind, I like our chances.”Arkansas (27-27) will make its fourth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and will face Tulsa in the first game for the second consecutive season. In last year’s tournament opener, also played in Norman, Okla., the Razorbacks defeated Tulsa, 7-5, to advance to the next round of the double-elimination format. In each of Arkansas’ four NCAA Tournament appearances, the team has played in the Norman Regional.The Razorbacks faced Tulsa and Oklahoma earlier in the season and earned wins against both teams. Arkansas beat Tulsa, 9-5, in an April 1 meeting on its way to winning the Border War. The Razorbacks, then, earned their first win in Norman against the Sooners with a dramatic 11-9 triumph on April 8. Arkansas last played North Dakota State during the 2007 season.Host-club Oklahoma will be the top-seeded team in the region, while the Razorbacks will carry the No. 2 seed. Tulsa is the No. 3 seed, while North Dakota State is seeded fourth. The double-elimination format will draw to a close Sunday, May 17 with the regional championship game.Arkansas is one of nine teams from the Southeastern Conference to be selected to the 2009 NCAA Tournament; Florida is the overall No. 1 seed. Tickets will go on sale Monday, May 11 at 8 a.m. Please call 405/325-2424 or 800/456-4668 for ticket information.

Download: 2009 Softball Bracket.pdf