Softball reports for first week of practice

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas softball team reported for the first week of fall practice beginning Monday, Sept. 3 at Lady’Back Yard. Practice began on Labor Day at 10 a.m. with a four hour practice that included infield and outfield work, pitching and hitting. “I was proud of the ladies on Monday,” said head coach Jamie Pinkerton. “They came out and worked hard for the full four hours. They looked good in some aspects and rusty in others. Hopefully we’ll knock the rust off for our opening tournament.” Tuesday through Friday practice continues at 2:45 p.m. Saturday an inner-squad scrimmage is set for 11 a.m. and is open to the public. The Lady’Backs worked on defense Tuesday and Thursday. On a rainy Wednesday, the main focus was hitting indoors. Friday, the Lady’Backs tie in offense and defense before the scrimmage on Saturday. The 2007-08 Arkansas softball team welcomes nine newcomers and returns 17, led by seniors Samantha Buckner, Katy Henry and Dayna Huckabee. The fall schedule begins Saturday, Sept. 15 at Lady’Back Yard. Arkansas faces Connors State at 1 p.m., Evangel at 3 p.m. and Carl Albert at 7 p.m. The Lady’Backs host three additional tournaments Sunday, Sept. 23, Sunday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 6. Arkansas plays Texarkana, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Tulsa on the 23rd, Seminole State, Crowder and Northeastern State on the 30th, and Rogers State, Oklahoma State and Missouri State on the 6th. Admission is free to the public for every fall tournament. For more information about Arkansas softball or for schedule information, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.