No. 12 Arkansas softball team cruises to opening day sweep

wireready_02-09-2024-06-14-03_00018_razorbacksboglepark

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks (2-0) cruised to an opening day sweep Thursday, defeating Marshall 10-3 before downing host Florida Atlantic 8-0 (5 inn.) in the nightcap.

Arkansas moves to 2-0 on the season while outscoring opponents 18-3 across 12 innings.

GAME 1

The Hogs picked up their first win of the season after tackling Marshall, 10-3. Sophomore LHP Hannah Camenzind (1-0) tallied the win after spinning 4 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, limiting the Thundering Herd to four hits while striking out three.

As an offense, the Razorbacks combined for 11 hits, including four doubles. Redshirt senior Cylie Halvorson and junior Bri Ellis powered Arkansas offensively, each going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored while forcing a walk. Sophomore LHP Hannah Camenzind also helped her cause after knocking a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a two-RBI single in the sixth.

Arkansas pushed two runs across in the first after Ellis peppered a two-RBI double to left center, pushing sophomore Reagan Johnson and redshirt senior Nia Carter across home.

Marshall grasped a 3-2 lead in the top of the third, but the Razorbacks quickly responded in the bottom frame on Halvorson’s RBI single to even it at 3-3.

After a quiet fourth, Arkansas pounded in three runs in the fifth. Following Ellis’ leadoff double, designated player Rylin Hedgecock smacked an RBI single to left to give Arkansas a 4-3 lead. A sacrifice fly by Hannah Camenzind followed by a Spencer Prigge RBI double to left granted the Hogs a 6-3 edge.

Arkansas poured on another four runs in the sixth to secure the 10-3 victory.

GAME 2

Tossing her third career complete game shutout, sophomore LHP Robyn Herron (1-0) commanded in the 8-0 (5 inn) nightcap victory against Florida Atlantic.

Hurling five frames, Herron surrendered just two hits, struck out seven and worked around three walks.

Setting the table at leadoff, Reagan Johnson pieced together a 2-for-4 performance with an RBI and run scored. Bri Ellis continued her hot streak after scattering a two-RBI single. Junior left fielder Raigan Kramer also energized with offense with a two-RBI single.

The Hogs wasted no time, jumping to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first. Ellis broke the game open with a two-RBI single for a 2-0 lead. Then, freshman catcher Kennedy Miller was struck by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in a third run. An FAU error allowed an unearned run to cross home for a 4-0 edge. Johnson’s RBI single to short provided the Hogs with a 5-0 lead.

In the top of the second, Kramer’s two-RBI single to right center increased the lead to 7-0. Arkansas added its final run in the fourth on Halvorson’s sacrifice fly to center.

UP NEXT

Arkansas takes on Ohio at 11:30 a.m. CT Friday at Joan Joyce Field. The game will be available on FloSoftball. The Razorbacks conclude the Paradise Classic on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 8 a.m. vs. Penn State. Following the Nittany Lions, Arkansas will face Michigan State at 10:15 a.m. Both games will be available to stream on FloSoftball.

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI