Roby Solid in the Circle Lady'Backs Lose Tough Test

NORMAN, Okla.-In its first doubleheader of the season, the University of Arkansas softball team fell to No. 12 Oklahoma 12-0 and 8-0 at the OU Softball Complex in Norman, Okla.

In her first career appearance, junior pitcher Linzee Roby celebrated a homecoming as the Cashion, Okla., native, returned to the Sooner state. In game two, Roby allowed three runs on four hits with two strikeouts in four and one-third innings of relief work.

Arkansas softball head coach Jamie Pinkerton said he realized the Lady Razorbacks would have a challenge playing the Sooners.

“Oklahoma is a very good team and we knew that coming in,” Pinkerton said. “We had to have a flawless performance to have a chance. (Linzee) Roby was the bright spot of the game.”

After trailing 2-0, the Lady’Backs challenged the Sooners in the top of the second inning as junior catcher Shana Easley recorded her second hit of the day. Freshman infielder Dayna Huckabee followed with a walk but Arkansas stranded the base runners.

Freshman pitcher Katy Henry recorded the loss with Roby relieving Henry in the bottom of the second inning.

Oklahoma scored three runs on three hits in the bottom of the second inning to lead 5-0, and then the Lady’Backs blanked the Sooners in the third.

Senior infielder Ashley Carter hit a leadoff double to center field but was she was left on base. Carter now has four doubles this season, which ties the team-high number of doubles.

Oklahoma ended the game with three runs in the sixth inning. Roby held the Sooners scoreless for three innings.

In the first game Oklahoma scored first in the bottom of the second inning, when junior pitcher Valanna Lyons walked two and then gave up her first hit of the game to sophomore right fielder Jamie Fox on a left field single that started the Oklahoma rally.

With the bases-loaded, junior designated player Nicole Denes hit a three-run double to right center field to give Oklahoma a 3-0 lead.

The Sooners offense exploded in the bottom of the third inning, as the Lady’Backs gave up eight runs on eight hits. Arkansas could not contain the No. 12 team in the nation, as Oklahoma took an 11-0 lead.

Lyons took the loss with freshman pitcher Kelly Ninemire and Roby making relief appearances. Roby logged her first career appearance as a Lady’Back and recorded three strikeouts in one and two-thirds innings.

Easley gave the Lady’Backs their only hit with a fifth-inning, single up the middle.

The Lady’Backs return to Fayetteville to host the Arkansas Invitational, March 5-6. Games begin Saturday at 11 a.m.

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