SOFTBALL: Hoffmann’s Late Blast Gives Arkansas Series-Opening Win Over Tennessee

Kacie Hoffman’s three-run home run in the 6th inning powered Arkansas through Tennessee in the SEC opener.

In the series opener between No. 8 Arkansas and No. 14 Tennessee, offensive production had low quantity, but high quality.

In a game that saw all runs come across over three innings, it was a swing from Arkansas’ Kacie Hoffmann that was the deciding factor, giving Arkansas the 4-3 win, taking game one of the series in Knoxville.

Down 3-1 going to the 6th inning, Arkansas looked to shake the lineup. After a Hannah Gammill single and Sam Torres got hit by a pitch, head coach Courtney Deifel elected to remove Cally Kildow in favor of Kacie Hoffmann. Hoffmann delivered for the Razorbacks in their time of need by sending the softball over the left field wall, pushing Arkansas ahead, 4-3.

For the freshman from Elkhorn, Neb., that homer was her 4th on the year, and she has now recorded 13 RBI in her young career.

Hoffmann’s three-run blast was an answer to a three-run home run that Tennessee hit earlier in the contest. In the 3rd inning, the Lady Vols got on the board with a three-run shot off the bat of Lair Beautae to give Tennessee the early 3-0 lead.

Arkansas cut into the lead in the top of the 5th inning with a two-out single by Taylor Ellsworth to score KB Sides, trimming the Vols lead to 3-1.

Danielle Gibson led Arkansas in hits with two, while five other Razorbacks grabbed a hit each.

Mary Haff continued her streak of dominance in the circle, outdueling Tennessee’s Erin Edmoundson by striking out 11 batters and allowing three hits and three earned runs in a complete game effort.

Game two of the series between Arkansas and Tennessee is set to begin at noon CDT, and can be seen on SEC Network+.