Lady Backs face Mountain Home
GREENWOOD, Ark.— The Lady Backs will begin their postseason journey today in Northwest Arkansas.
Arkansas High (12-12) will take on Mountain Home (13-16) in the opening round of the Class 6A state softball tournament at Lady Bulldogs Field in Greenwood, with the first pitch at 3 p.m.
“Being a fifth seed is the highest seed we’ve had in my tenure here at Arkansas High,” head softball coach Elizabeth Tankersley said. “We’ve worked really hard this season to get here, and I couldn’t be more proud of my girls. This is where we landed, so we have to take care of business once it’s time.”
The Lady Backs have been rolling lately, posting a two-game winning streak
heading into the opening round of the tournament.
“The way we’ve played the past three or four games in the season, I think they’re ready,” Tankersley said. “I think this is the best chance we’ve had in my five years here to get out of the first round. We have offense, defense and sound pitching to complement everything. We’ve really improved our short game in the past few weeks.”
The Lady Backs will have Kaitlyn Fortenberry in the circle, Alyssa Smith at first base, Jordan Standley behind the plate, Tatiyanna Johnson at second base, Faith Green at third base, Adison Wright at shortstop, Shelby Robinson in left, Sydnee Blackwell in center field and Bailey Easterling in right field.
“Our confidence level is up right now,” Tankersley said. “We’ve preached all season long about the mental aspect of the game and once we got over the hump, it’s taken care of itself. We’re not the laughing stock of the conference anymore. We’re actually respected throughout the conference from the top to the bottom.”
The Lady Backs have scored 141 runs this season, while giving up 158. The Lady Bombers have given up 200 runs, while only scoring 191 this season.
The winner will face Sheridan in the second round on Friday at 3 p.m.