Red Wolf Club Softball Drops Season Openers During Weekend
JONESBORO – Despite starting off strong, Arkansas State University’s club team dropped a quartet of road games during the opening weekend for softball.
A-State fell to Williams Baptist Saturday, 8-5, in the opener and 9-8 in the second outing later in the day in Walnut Ridge. Southern Arkansas University Tech defeated the Red Wolves, 10-0, and 7-3, Sunday afternoon in Camden.
Against Williams Baptist, the Red Wolves took early leads in both games behind batters Keely Curtis of Harrisburg, Lexi Betts of Camden, Elizabeth Shellenbarger of Beebe and Marissa Spence of Tyler, Texas. Betts, a freshman, posted a home run. Pitcher Courtney Foreman of Crossett proved to be a force on the mound, allowing only eight hits and five runs over six innings.
“Our offensive line started up strong,” said Keith Hinson, A-State head coach, whose team tallied 29 total hits against the Eagles. “We had the early leads, but could not finish. And, Courtney dominated the mound.”
Junior Hannah Craig of Trumann hit a single in the fourth inning in the first showing of the doubleheader for the Red Wolves, but the Rockets took over, leaving A-State scoreless. Things looked somewhat better in the second game with Curtis going three-for-four at the plate to lead her team in hits.
Again, Foreman came in to pitch in the second inning and was effective on the mound in slowing down SAU Tech’s offense during her five-inning appearance.
Arkansas State will host Holmes Community College Friday, Feb. 7, at 5 p.m. The Red Wolves go back on the road Sunday, Feb. 9, to face Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Play gets underway at 1 p.m., followed by the second matchup at 3 p.m. Fans will have an opportunity watch the Red Wolves host Crowley’s Ridge College, Monday, Feb. 10, at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Southside Softball Complex located at 5003 Stadium Blvd.
