The long-awaited season opener for Courtney Deifel’s No. 8 Arkansas softball team has arrived, and the Razorbacks opened the season in style.
Behind a solid pitching game, as well as key swings by Danielle Gibson and Linnie Malkin, Arkansas begins the 2022 season with a 4-0 win over Rutgers in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Patience is how the Razorbacks got on the board in the season opener. Alabama transfer KB Sides began the bottom of the 1st with a leadoff walk, then almost immediately stole second base. She was later driven home by Danielle Gibson on a two-out double to center, giving Arkansas the early 1-0 lead.
Arkansas capitalized on another two-out opportunity in the third inning. Taylor Ellsworth, Danielle Gibson, and Hannah Gammill would reach base, setting up an opportunity for senior Linnie Malkin with juiced bases. Malkin singled to left field to score Ellsworth, but a boot by left fielder Gabrielle Callaway allowed Gibson and Gammill to score, extending Arkansas’ lead to 3-0.
Gibson lead the team in hits with two, Malkin and Rylan Hedgecock recorded one hit each for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas was dominant in the circle, as Mary Haff, Callie Turner, and Chenise Delce combined to strike out seven in the shutout win. Haff tossed four quality innings in the start, allowing just two hits and striking out two batters.
Transfers Turner and Delce closed out the game in the circle. Turner began her career as a Razorback in grand fashion, striking out the first two batters she faced. She did however find herself in trouble, as the next two batters got on base via the walk. Turner did dig herself out of the hole when Rutgers’ Kyleigh Sand grounded out to her to end the threat.
Delce threw a perfect 6th and 7th inning to finish the game. She faced the minimum, striking out three Scarlet Knights.
The Razorbacks continue their stay in Puerto Vallarta tomorrow, by taking on Memphis and Washington. Each game can be viewed on FloSports.com.