Softball hosts second fall tournament

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team continues its fall season as the Lady Razorbacks host Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Connors State College and Neosho County Community College Saturday, Sept. 16, at Lady’Back Yard. The Lady’Back Fall Festival begins at 9 a.m. when NEO A&M takes on Connors. The Lady’Backs step on the field at 11 a.m. facing Connors. Arkansas plays NEO A&M at 3 p.m. and concludes the tournament with Neosho at 7 p.m. Admission is free to the public. Arkansas head coach Jamie Pinkerton sees the tournament as a great opportunity against stronger competition. “With three more junior colleges in this weekend we’ll have another chance to look at the newcomers,” said Pinkerton. Neosho finished fifth at the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament in 2004. NEO A&M finished in the NJCAA top 20 seven of the last eight years, while Connors has been a perennial contender for the conference and the NJCAA Region 2 championships. The Lady Razorbacks won their first fall tournament Sunday, Sept. 10. Freshman Jess Reed, a Fayetteville native, went 5-for-6, hitting .833 on the day. She added a double, a triple, three runs and two RBI. Arkansas’ offense finished the fall festival with a .372 batting average. “We went 3-0 last weekend and I was pleased by the way the ladies played,” said Pinkerton. “The newcomers stepped up and played really well. I was pleasantly surprised.” “I was really impressed by the way Jess Reed played,” continued Pinkerton. “She was unflappable.” Arkansas’ pitching was also composed and in control. The Lady’Back pitching staff combined for 22 strikeouts, earned a 0.00 ERA and held their opponents to a .121 batting average. The Lady’Backs host their final fall tournament Saturday, Sept. 30. Arkansas welcomes Carl Albert State College, Rogers State University and Oklahoma Baptist University for the Arkansas Fall Invitational. For more information about Arkansas softball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.