Season-Opening Lion Classic Cancelled

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Due to inclement weather in Hammond, La., the season-opening Lion Classic has been cancelled. The Razorbacks were slated to begin their 2018 campaign Friday against Kennesaw State with additional games against Nicholls and tournament host Southeastern Louisiana.

With the weekend washout, Arkansas will now open its season Feb. 17-19 with the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Palm Spring, Calif. The Razorbacks are set to play Grand Canyon, No. 15 Utah, Weber State, Loyola Marymount and Fordham during the three-day event.

2018 Arkansas Softball Quick Facts

In the program’s third year under head coach Courtney Deifel, Arkansas returns to the field after posting a 31-24 record last season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament (Norman). The Razorbacks’ 14-win increase from the previous season marked the largest improvement in the nation among Power 5 teams.

Arkansas returns nine starters from last year’s roster including its four-player senior class of A.J. Belans, Autumn Buczek, Tori Cooper and Loren Krzysko. Belans was an All-SEC performer last season while sophomore Autumn Storms earned All-SEC and all-region accolades.

The Razorbacks’ home opener will be Wednesday, Feb. 28 against Missouri State at Bogle Park.

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