Offense, there was not a lot of it. Classic game, anyway? You bet.
The 12th-ranked Arkansas softball team had the No. 4 team in the country, Tennessee, in position until nearly the end Saturday afternoon from Bogle Park. But a late knock lifted the Volunteers, 3-1, setting up what’s sure to be a grand weekend on The Hill.
Zaida Puni hit a two-out, two-run single in the sixth to break a 1-1 deadlock, giving the Vols the winning margin. Tennessee had just two hits to that point. But a hit batter and a walk earlier in the inning gave the Vols the baserunners necessary to pounce. They finished with just four hits.
Arkansas’ lineup was equally held in check. After Tennessee took a 1-0 lead in the fifth, the Hogs countered in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single by Reagan Johnson. She plated Atalyia Rijo who doubled earlier. They were the only two hits Arkansas had in the game.
Chenise Delce took the tough-luck loss, pitching a complete game, striking out four.
The teams are back at it Sunday at noon in Fayetteville.
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