FAYETTEVILLE – The No. 10 Arkansas softball team, off to the best start in program history with a 10-0 record, is hoping to continue their strong performance at the prestigious Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, California this week. The Razorbacks flew out on Thursday to compete in the tournament, which features 30 teams at the Big League Dreams Complex.
The complex includes replica fields of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs’ home stadiums. Arkansas will play two games on Thursday: against Rutgers (5-5) at 11:30 a.m. CST, followed by Cal-State Fullerton (7-3) at 2 p.m. On Friday, they’ll face Loyola Marymount (3-7) at 8 p.m., then play Baylor (6-4) at noon and No. 4 UCLA (9-1) on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel expressed excitement about the competition. “That’s why we sought out this tournament, to get these five games,” she said. UCLA will be the highest-ranked opponent Arkansas has faced so far, and Deifel is looking forward to the challenge.
Despite dominating opponents by a combined score of 54-10 last weekend, Deifel emphasized that the team is focused on growth. “There were a lot of learning experiences despite the scores,” she noted. “This team absorbs that and constantly seeks ways to improve.”
The Razorbacks are currently ranked No. 9 in D1 Softball and No. 10 in the ESPN/USA Today, Softball America, and NFCA/GoRout polls.
First baseman Bri Ellis, who was named D1 Softball National Player of the Week and SEC Player of the Week, has been on fire, especially in the Louisiana Tech Classic. Ellis hit .667, with eight hits, three doubles, four home runs, 15 RBIs, and seven runs. She also posted a 1.917 slugging percentage and a .722 on-base percentage. Seven of her eight hits were extra-base hits, and she didn’t strike out in 18 plate appearances.
Ellis, who is the nation’s active leader in home runs with 55, is currently hitting .583 with seven homers and 24 RBIs this season. Deifel praised Ellis’ outstanding performance but also credited her teammates for creating opportunities. “She wouldn’t have those RBIs if her teammates weren’t getting on base,” Deifel said. “It’s a team effort.”
Junior pitcher Robyn Herron threw a no-hitter in Arkansas’ 10-0 win during the Louisiana Tech Classic, marking her second career no-hitter and the 12th in Arkansas history. Herron, who struck out eight batters, stayed relaxed during the final innings. “I knew I had a no-hitter going, but I just stayed loose and kept the attitude that if I give up a hit, it’s not the end of the world,” Herron explained.
The Arkansas pitching staff has a combined 1.42 ERA in 59 innings, striking out 76 batters while allowing only 14 runs, two of which were unearned. Herron and freshman Peyton Burnham are both 3-0, while Lexi King is 2-0. Reis Beuerlein and Cam Harrison (who has two saves) are both 1-0.
Herron praised the team’s close-knit bullpen, saying, “It’s been really fun, and we’re genuinely happy for each other’s success.” Coach Deifel has seen Herron grow as a leader. “She’s been through struggles and high moments, so she can guide her teammates through both,” Deifel said.
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