STARKVILLE, MS– No. 6 Arkansas (35-12, 16-7 SEC) dominated Mississippi State (24-22, 6-17 SEC) from start to finish, swatting three home runs and dismantling the Bulldogs, 14-2, in seven innings on Saturday night at Dudy Noble Field.
With the run-rule win, the Razorbacks clinched their fourth straight series win against Mississippi State as well as their second consecutive series win in Starkville for only the second time in program history. Arkansas had not won back-to-back road series against Mississippi State since 2010 and 2012 before doing so in 2021 and 2023.
Arkansas will look to secure its second consecutive series sweep in Starkville in tomorrow afternoon’s finale. The Hogs, 10-1 in their last 11 games against the Bulldogs, have won five straight games at Dudy Noble Field dating back to 2021.
The Razorbacks wasted no time taking control of Saturday night’s game, jumping out to a commanding 8-0 lead after four innings of play. Arkansas pounded Mississippi State starter Landon Gartman for four runs on three hits and four walks, knocking the right-hander out of the ballgame after only 1 2/3 innings.
Kendall Diggs and Ben McLaughlin each collected two-RBI singles in the top half of second as the Hogs opened an early 4-0 lead. Mississippi State’s bullpen fared no better against the Arkansas offense, allowing three more runs in the top of the third and an additional run in the fourth.
Peyton Holt was responsible for two of those four runs batted in, tallying an RBI single in the third before recording his second RBI single of the ballgame in the fourth inning.
Razorback starter Brady Tygart, meanwhile, did not need much help on the mound. Making his second start since returning from an early-season injury, the right-hander needed just 20 pitches to complete two scoreless innings.
Tygart, who earned the win, gave the ball to Will McEntire to close out the final five innings. The veteran right-hander struck out four over his five innings of two-run ball, earning a save – the second of his career – in the process.
Arkansas’ offense continued to mash with McEntire on the mound, scoring six more runs after Tygart departed the game. Brady Slavens hit his second home run in as many games in the top of the sixth before the Razorbacks punctuated their dominant night at the plate with a five-run seventh inning.
Diggs, who finished with a team-leading three hits and five RBI, blasted a two-run home run to right, putting Arkansas up, 11-2. Caleb Cali’s three-run home run later in the seventh extended the Hogs’ lead to 14-2.
First pitch in the series finale between the Razorbacks and Bulldogs is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, May 7, on SEC Network+.
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks
Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg.
COLUMBIA, MO – No. 12 Arkansas (38-15) fell to Missouri (33-23), 4-3 (8 inn.), Saturday afternoon at Mizzou Softball Stadium.
The loss snaps Arkansas’ three-game win streak. The Razorbacks move to 38-15 overall and 14-9 in SEC play.
Arkansas gripped onto a 2-0 lead in the top of the second thanks to back-to-back home runs by junior Cylie Halvorson and fifth-year senior Kristina Foreman.
The Tigers were held scoreless until the bottom of the fifth when an errant throw led to a pair of unearned runs to even it at 2-2.
Arkansas and Missouri exchanged zeroes in the sixth and seventh frames to send it to extras.
In the top of the eighth, freshman phenom Reagan Johnson peppered a leadoff single up the middle. Johnson later advanced to second on a passed ball to put Arkansas in scoring position. Sophomore Raigan Kramer’s fly out to foul territory in right was deep enough to move Johnson smoothly to third. Then, redshirt junior Rylin Hedgecock’s sacrifice fly to left center gave the Hogs a 3-2 lead.
Missouri raked two solo home runs in the bottom of the eighth to even the series with a 4-3 victory.
Making the start, freshman LHP Hannah Camenzind pitched 4.2 frames and surrendered two unearned runs on four hits. Camenzind restrained Missouri to zero runs through four.
Redshirt senior RHP Chenise Delce (20-7) twirled the final three innings and gave up two runs on a pair of solo home runs. Delce struck out one and worked around a walk.
Reagan Johnson had another outstanding day at the dish, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Johnson has a team-leading 22 multi-hit games this season, including back-to-back games with two base knocks. The Karnes City, Texas, native is on a six-game hitting streak. Johnson moves her season total in hits to 72, which ranks sixth in single-season program history.
Driving in a run on a sacrifice fly, Hedgecock pushed her season total in RBI to 58, which ranks third in single-season program history.
Up Next
Arkansas and Missouri battle in a Sunday rubber match slated for 2 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.
For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks
Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.
Mansfield’s 2023 track team takes home the class 2A State Runner-Up trophy from the Quitman hosted event.
The target was higher. Mansfield wanted to punctuate an already impressive season by winning the class 2A state track and field championships in Quitman on Tuesday, May 2. The results were a little short but their second place runner-up trophy was still satisfying.
Mansfield All-State seniors Jadelynn Wood and Seven Sanderson appear with Coach John Mackey and the Runner-Up trophy from the 2023 state track meet.
“Any trophy at state is a good day,” typed Mansfield head coach John Mackey in a text to former track star Megan Rose. Rose was one of the first to send a congratulatory message to her high school mentor about the Lady Tiger’s most recent accomplishment.
“Our kids peaked at the right time,” read another message sent from the veteran head coach to MHS track booster Dave Otto. “We just didn’t have enough spots to take down the champs,” continued the text.
Lady Tiger Seven Sanderson wins the class 2A state track discus competition with a personal record 115′ 9″. Sanderson’s mark is the seond best measurement in school history.Seven Sanderson produces an All-State shot put mark of 33′ 0″ at the Quitman hosted state track competition.
Mansfield qualified to the state track meet in 14 of 18 events through their district and pre-qualifying performances. They scored in eleven of those events.
By contrast, Yellville-Summitt, the two-time defending class 2A state champions, appeared in all 18 events. They scored in 16 of those.
“Yellville was the defending state champs for a reason,” offered Mackey as he reflected on the state’s final results. “They had a veteran bunch with much experience. We were tilted towards the freshmen and sophomore side with two senior stalwarts.”
Lane 5 shows All-State hurdler Daisy Nelson closing fast among the 100m hurdler racers at the Quitman hosted state meet. Lane 3 shows All-State relay racer Jadelynn Wood also scoring in the hurdles.
“I’m happy for our kids,” continued the coach. “Outdoor state is so much harder than indoor. You have to get their first before you can think about scoring points. At indoor state, you get to take your whole team. The points are more predictable.”
Mansfield girls accumulated 82.5 points for the second place state prize. Yellville-Summitt amassed 148 points for the championship trophy.
Mansfield got it started early as senior Seven Sanderson and sophomore Laney Wood were the first to compete.
MHS pole vaulter Laney Wood awaits her turn in the spirited competition for first place.
Sanderson, the defending state champion in the discus, didn’t disappoint as she kept her crown with a huge exclamationpoint. A monster throw of 115’ 9” slammed the door on any hint that someone would reach her peak performance.
“That was the second best throw in school history,” noted Mackey. “Seven was incredible. All the practices and all the meet experiences came together in one glorious moment. She has been a pillar of strength in the throws all season long. What a way for a senior to go out, breaking her personal record by over twelve feet and winning another individual state title.”
Sanderson gave Mansfield a quick ten points and their first individual state champion for the day. Wood was close to becoming the second such champion.
Mansfield’s Daisy Nelson, Jadelynn Wood, Kayla Bieker, and Carter Whiley are bound for the Meet of Champs after winnng the 2A state 4x100m relay in 52.19 seconds.
In the women’s pole vault, Wood was having her best day. Clean jumps through the competition kept her in the lead. Finally, on the highest cleared height for the top two contenders, Wood picked up her only scratch.
The crack was open for Yellville’s Fay Chism who had the luxury of the last jump. Having accumulated misses throughout the competition, Chism cleared the 8’ 8” height on an attempt sooner than Mansfield’s leading candidate.
Three-fourths of the MHS 4x400m relay team relish in a trophy moment. Trinity Triska, Jadelynn Wood, Laney Wood, and Azlynn Stover ran the final race for the Lady Tigers before the trophy presentation.
“It was crushing,” said Mansfield’s head coach as he witnessed the proceedings first hand. “Laney was one miss from the state title. It’s heartbreaking seeing her on top, and then having it whisked away like that. She’s our champion. I can tell you that.”
Freshman Daisy Nelson came on strong scoring in five of six events of which she qualified. Starting with the pole vault, Nelson also picked up points in the 100m hurdles, 100m dash, 4x100m relay, and 200m dash.
“Daisy and Seven were the MVP’s on this day,” revealed Mackey. “Daisy has the confidence and command of a veteran. She gets a lot of support from home. You can tell through her performances that that support system keeps her grounded and focused.”
Mansfield’s senior girls hoist the Runner-Up trophy at the awards ceremony in Quitman.
Nelson was third in the pole vault at a personal record 8’ 4”. Because of the extended time battling it out with Wood and Chism, her next event was rushed.
Nelson was the only competitor left in the long jump prelims once her time at the pole vault was over. Consequently, she had to jump in consecutive order. According to her coach, the rushed attempts plus the fatigue from the vaults diminished her long jump returns.
“She has been pretty consistent at reaching the fifteen foot mark ever since the Mena meet,” shared Mackey. “She made the finals at 14-6, but it was asking a lot to get her to move up after the long morning.”
The freshmen franchise did get some rest following the morning field event session. The chance to catch her breath, snack, and hydrate seemed to do the trick as the lean of her long day was about to take-off.
Mansfield’s young sprinter showed out in her next four races as the buzz about the Lady Tiger’s fast freshman started circulating. In rapid succession, Nelson knocked out All-State performances in three quick races and scored in the fourth.
Nelson went 16.95 to take second in the 100m hurdles. She went 13.04 in the 100m dash for another second. Then the best race of the day put the freshman squarely into the meet’s heavy storyline.
In the women’s 4x100m relay, Mansfield was the slight favorite. The combination of Kayla Bieker, Carter Whiley, Jadelynn Wood, and Nelson had only run together one time prior to the state finals. However, their collective time was the best mark advanced to the state meet finals.
Freshman Bieker got the baton moving, flying into the first exchange about middle of the pack. Sophomore Whiley got the wheels burning with a push past a core of contenders jockeying for the lead.
Senior Wood got out in a hurry, torching the last curve in formidable fashion to bring the favorites into second place on the exchange.
From there, it was Nelson’s night. The freshman anchor poured it on, passing the Rison Wildcats in the final 15 meters for the dramatic win.
“I was trying to video the race,” claimed the coach. “But all you could recognize on the playback was the ground and my voice screaming ‘chase her down Daisy’!”
Officially, Mansfield broke the tape in 52.19 seconds. The win gave the relay squad an automatic ticket to the Meet of Champions on Wednesday, May 10.
Rison’s run to the top of the podium was dashed by 0.10 seconds. Their collective mark of 52.29 dropped them to second place and the silver “see ya” medal.
Mansfield’s 4x100m win placed the 2023 lineup among Lady Tiger relay royalty. Their 52.19 fully automatic time moved them into third place all time among MHS sprint relay legends.
The 2010 squad that includes Sarah Mathis, Jessica Otto, Beatrice Horvath, and Clara Ellingburg hold the top spot at 50.94 seconds. A nearly identical lineup in 2009 that featured Mathis, Otto, Ellingburg, along with Jessica Welden ran the sprint co-op in 52.06.
Nelson went on to cement her most valuable player honors for the 2023 outdoor meet with a fifth place finish in the 200m dash. Her time of 28.22 was just ahead of relay teammate Whiley. Whiley ran 28.59 for seventh place.
Sanderson was productive in the second wave of field events as well. The senior pushed the 4 kg shot put to a near personal record of 33’ 0”. The measurement was good enough for second place and another All-State performance on the day.
Now in consecutive seasons, Sanderson won the indoor state shot put, the outdoor state discus, and placed second in the outdoor shot.
“I call her the dream girl,” expressed Sanderson’s track coach. “She is our best thrower and best throws coach. She helped her friend Brooke Wright win the 2021 state discus title. Then she went back to back years for the win. That is three straight titles and three straight Meet of Champs qualifiers.”
Freshman Kaylee Ward added points with her sixth place shot put. Her mark was 31’ 4”. The multi-talented phenom also made the high jump finals with limited practice off the softball field.
Azlynn Stover, Laney Wood, Trinity Triska, and Jadelynn Wood secured Mansfield’s state runner-up trophy with a fifth place finish in the final race of the night. Together they went a season best 4:44.67.
Stover, Triska, Laney Wood, and Raine Hecox pointed in the first relay of the night. Their 4x800m collective was run in 12:26.15.
Hecox, Addison Stover, Laney Wood, and Whiley made the 4x200m finals. They also set a new season best at 1:58.76.
Jadelynn Wood appeared in five events at the state meet. The senior’s best individual finish was in the 300m hurdles. Her mark of 52.50 secured fifth place points. She also added value in the 100m hurdle with a seventh place time of 18.61.
The elder of the Wood sisters also made the triple jump event at state. She was joined by freshman district champion Madison Hearron in that horizontal event.
The Arkansas Activities Association will soon recognize Seven Sanderson, Laney Wood, Daisy Nelson, Kayla Bieker, Carter Whiley, and Jadelynn Wood as Class 2A All-State track and field athletes for their top two placements at the state meet.
STARKVILLE, MS – No. 6 Arkansas (34-12, 15-7 SEC) spun a combined two-hitter and blasted a pair of home runs, cruising to a 6-2 series-opening win against Mississippi State (24-21, 6-16 SEC) on Friday night at Dudy Noble Field.
It was the Razorbacks’ first two-hitter of any kind against the Bulldogs under head coach Dave Van Horn as well as Arkansas’ first combined two-hitter against an SEC opponent since doing so at Texas A&M on April 22, 2022.
With the win, Arkansas improved to 10-1 against Mississippi State since 2019. Friday night’s victory was the Hogs’ fourth consecutive win in Starkville, a streak dating back to Arkansas’ three-game series sweep at Dudy Noble Field in 2021.
Arkansas pitchers Hagen Smith (5.0 IP, 8 SO), Cody Adcock (1.0 IP, 1 SO) and Gage Wood (3.0 IP, 4 SO) combined for 13 strikeouts in the two-hitter on Friday night, working together to limit Mississippi State to just two runs (one earned).
The Hogs struck first in the top of the first on Jace Bohrofen’s two-run homer. Following Kendall Diggs’ leadoff walk, Bohrofen smoked a 1-2 pitch over the wall in right to put Arkansas up, 2-0, before Mississippi State could swing the bat.
For Bohrofen, it was his 12th home run of the season, tying him with fellow outfielder Jared Wegner for the team lead. The Razorback captain is slashing a team-best .370/.490/.682 with 12 dingers and 40 RBI in 45 games played this year.
Staked with an early two-run lead, Smith retired the first seven he faced before running into trouble on the mound. The Bulldogs cut their deficit to one with a two-out RBI in the bottom half of the third before breaking through again in the bottom half of the fifth, tying the ballgame at two apiece on a passed ball.
Smith would depart after five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and five walks while matching his season high with eight strikeouts. The left-hander, who was making his third SEC start of the year, earned the win on Friday to improve to 7-1 with a 2.56 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings of work on the mound this season.
Brady Slavens’ go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the sixth was more than enough run support for the Razorbacks’ relievers. Adcock, the first arm out of the bullpen, threw a perfect bottom half of the sixth before turning the ball over to Wood, who locked down the final three innings of Friday night’s 6-2 win and secured his team-leading fifth save.
Offensively, Caleb Cali collected a team-high three hits, including a double, in Friday night’s win. His three-hit performance at the plate raised his season slash line in SEC play to a team-best .390/.507/.712.
Arkansas, winner of three consecutive series against Mississippi State, will look to make it four in a row and lock up back-to-back series wins in Starkville for only the second time in school history in tomorrow night’s game two. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, May 6, on ESPN2 with Mike Ferrin (play-by-play) and Lance Cormier (analyst) on the call.
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks
Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg.
COLUMBIA, MO – Redshirt senior RHP Chenise Delce (20-6) tossed a two-hit, complete game shutout to guide No. 12 Arkansas to 9-0 (5 inn.) victory over Missouri in Friday night’s series opener.
The Razorbacks improve to 38-14 and 14-8 in league play. Arkansas also extends its winning streak vs. Missouri to three games.
Delce was lights out, spinning 5.0 scoreless frames en route to her fifth solo shutout this season. The reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year fanned five and worked around two walks. Delce did not allow an extra-base hit.
Arkansas combined for 12 hits, led by freshman catcher Lauren Camenzind’s 3-for-3 night. Lacing a career high three hits, Camenzind matched her career high in RBI with two and accounted for two runs scored. Fifth-year second baseman Kristina Foreman reached in all three plate appearances, tying her season highs in hits with two (2-for-2) and RBI with three. Foreman also reached via walk. Freshman center fielder Reagan Johnson (2-for-4, one RBI) and junior first baseman Cylie Halvorson (2-for-3, two runs scored, one double) had multi-hit outings. Sophomore Raigan Kramer drove in two runs on a double and junior third baseman Hannah Gammill singled to round out the hits column.
The Hogs scored in four of five innings.
Striking first, Arkansas put up a two-spot in the first off the crack of Kristina Foreman’s bat. Foreman pounded a two-RBI single for the early lead.
Raigan Kramer added to the lead in the top of the second on her sacrifice fly to center to score Lauren Camenzind and make it 3-0.
Kristina Foreman struck again with an RBI double for a 4-0 lead in the top of the third. Lauren Camenzind sprayed an RBI single to right field to push the lead to 5-0.
After a quiet fourth, Arkansas compiled a four-run fifth to put the game in run-rule territory.
It all began when Hannah Gammill, who previously reached on a single to left, scored on a wild pitch for a 6-0 lead. Lauren Camenzind clocked another RBI single to right, stretching the advantage to 7-0. A Reagan Johnson RBI single followed by a Raigan Kramer RBI double put the Hogs in front 9-0.
Up Next
Arkansas goes for the series win at 4 p.m. CT Saturday on SEC Network+. Sunday’s series finale is set for 2 p.m. on SEC Network+.
For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks
Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.
LITTLE ROCK — With last year’s increase in turkey reproduction and a strong start to the 2023 spring turkey season, biologists and staff at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are cautiously optimistic about recent trends in Arkansas’s turkey woods. One trend that still has AGFC game wardens concerned is the continued use of bait by some poachers to illegally shoot their turkeys.
According to the AGFC’s Code of Regulations, hunters, whether on public or private land, may not hunt turkeys with the aid of bait. An area is considered baited if any food (including shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, chops, wheat or other feed that could serve as a lure or attractant for wildlife is present or has been present in the last 10 days. An area must be completely clear of bait for at least 10 days before it is eligible to be hunted.
So far this season, Arkansas game wardens have issued 75 citations or warnings for major violations related to turkey hunting. Twenty-one of those violations were hunting over bait.
“Catching people who are baiting turkeys requires a lot of time and hard work,” Col. Brad Young, chief of the AGFC’s Enforcement Division, said. “There’s a lot of preseason work identifying where the baited areas are, then you may spend a lot of early mornings out there before the violator shows up. It may take several sits before you finally catch them in the act.”
Young says wardens have many tools available to aid in finding baited sites, but the two most important tools are tips from ethical hunters and old-fashioned boot leather.
“We need our sportsmen and women to make those reports if someone is baiting turkeys on property near where they hunt,” Young said. “Even if we can’t catch them in the act immediately, our game wardens take notes and use the information for future operations. Some have sat on a known poacher’s site for a couple of seasons before they were able to catch them in the act, but it’s going to happen eventually. Fellow hunters who care about the resource are the best aid we have in that effort.”
In addition to being unsportsmanlike, baiting can have serious impact to turkey populations.
Baiting carries with it some concerns with disease transmission as well as concerns with nest predation. Studies conducted on nest success in wild turkeys indicate that nests in close proximity to a baited area have higher rates of nest predation than those further from these sites. Raccoons, skunks and other nest predators attracted to the free meal at bait sites were able to more readily find nearby turkey nesting locations, wiping out the chance of a successful hatch.
“A lot of our biologists and wardens, including myself, are avid turkey hunters, too,” Young said. “When a poacher shoots a turkey over bait, they’re stealing that bird from someone who is willing to follow the rules and accept the challenge turkey hunting gives. We take it personally, and so should every other hunter who’s doing it right.”
Another school year is coming to a close. And if you have young children, they’re now a year closer to heading off to college or some other type of post-secondary education or training. So, if you haven’t already done so, you may want to start preparing for these costs.
And they can be considerable. During the 2022-23 school year, the average estimated annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation and other personal expenses) was nearly $28,000 for public four-year in-state schools and more than $57,000 for private nonprofit four-year schools, according to the College Board.
Of course, some students don’t pay the full bill for college.Any grants and scholarships they receive can bring down the“sticker price.” Still, there’s often a sizable amount that students and their families must come up with. To help fill this gap, you may want to explore various strategies, one of which is a 529 educationsavings plan.
A 529 plan offers several key benefits. First of all, your earnings can grow tax deferred and your withdrawals are federally tax free when used for qualified education expenses, such as tuition, fees, books and so on. You may be eligible to invest in a 529 plan in most states, but depending on where you live, you may be able to deduct your contributions from your state income tax or possibly receive a state tax credit for investing in your home state’s 529 plan. Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex. Please consult your tax advisory about your situation.
And 529 plans aren’t just for college. You may be able to use one to pay K-12 expenses, up to $10,000 per student per year. (However, not all states comply with this 529 expansion for K-12, so you might not be able to claim deductions and your withdrawals could be subject to state tax penalties.)
A 529 plan can also be used to pay for most expenses connected to apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs are often available at community colleges and combine classroom education with on-the-job training.
Furthermore, you can now withdraw funds from a 529 plan to repay qualified federal private and student loans, up to $10,000 for each 529 plan beneficiary and another $10,000 for each of the beneficiary’s siblings.
But what if you’ve named a child as a 529 plan beneficiary and that child doesn’t want to pursue any type of advancededucation? If this happens, you, as the account owner, are free to name another family member as beneficiary.
And beginning in 2024, you may have even more flexibility if a child foregoes college or other post-secondary education. Due to the passing of the Secure Act 2.0 in December 2022, unused 529 plan funds of up to $35,000 may be eligible to roll over to a Roth IRA of the designated beneficiary.
One of the qualifications for this rollover is to have had your 529 plan for at least 15 years. To determine if you qualify for this rollover, you will want to consult your tax advisor.
A 529 plan has a lot to offer — and it might be something to consider for your family’s future.
Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty. Make sure to discuss the potential financial aid impacts with a financial aid professional.
Edward Jones, its financial advisors and employees cannot provide tax or legal advice.
This article is provided by Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor Edward Jones 20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855 479-963-1321 jeffrey.o’neal@edwardjones.com edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Around the nation, we will celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14. It is a traditional day when families gather, share a good meal out, and spend time with the most significant person in our lives.
But, with all of that said, it is a time in my life when, perhaps due to my age and my mom’s age, I reflect on a much deeper meaning of this annual day.
The aging process is both a good and bad thing. Good from the respect that we retire, spend more time doing what we enjoy while benefiting from the years of experiences that give us greater perspective than our earlier years when we thought we knew everything about everything. In fact, personally, the older I get, the more I realize I don’t know much about anything…especially the way the world continues to change.
But on the bad side of aging comes health-related issues, loved ones around you begin to pass away, and, it just seems sometimes that you become even more irrelevant to others. That may be a dark take on life, but it can be true.
But as I go through the natural process of aging, one thing has become very clear to me: I have lived a blessed life. I am very fortunate to have enjoyed earning a living doing what I enjoy the most. And the reason for my life being the blessing that it has been… the biggest reason I have been fortunate to live a blessed life… was made possible by a blessed mother.
Throughout my life…through the ups and downs, my mother has always been there for me. At times when I felt all alone, she was there. Her love, support, and sacrifices for my happiness have blessed me and enabled me to live the life that I am so fortunate to have. In fact, my wife, Elaine, can say the very same thing about her mother. Elaine and I are so fortunate, and we are both so blessed to have had the good fortune of being children of mothers who raised us and made our lives possible.
Times are very difficult for my mother now; after a tornado struck their house last month, she is now battling illness and injury. She is a very strong person…the strongest that I have ever known. But with all of her mental strength, the times she finds herself in today would challenge anyone.
So, on this annual day of recognition for our mothers, I share this story with our readers to ask each of you to take a moment and reflect upon what our mothers have meant to all of us. My mother has always been there for me. And with all of her pain and suffering that she is currently experiencing today, I know that her first thought is me. That’s just how special she is. She always has put herself second to me…sacrificing things over the years that maybe she wanted for herself in order to make sure I had everything that I needed. In short, she is the best mother that I or anyone else could be blessed to have in their lives. I have been lucky in that respect all of my life.
So mom, this story is dedicated to you. I hope you have a nice Mother’s Day and know that I love you and respect you more than anyone knows. And I hope you, our readers, have a blessed Mother’s Day weekend with the one person who has blessed your life.
FAYETTEVILLE – Following the program’s first-ever series win vs. a top-three ranked team, No. 12 Arkansas heads north to Columbia, Mo., for its final SEC regular season series on May 5-7 vs. the Missouri Tigers. Friday’s series opener commences at 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network+.
Arkansas is coming off its first-ever series win vs. a top-three ranked team as it took down No. 3 Tennessee in Bogle Park this past weekend.
The Razorbacks shutout the Lady Vols, 2-0, in Monday night’s rubber match for the series victory.
For the first time in program history, Arkansas has won back-to-back series vs. Tennessee.
Arkansas is the only SEC team to shutout Tennessee this season.
Freshman LHP Hannah Camenzind earned her third SEC Freshman of the Week honor on Tuesday. Camenzind has won three of the last five SEC Freshman of the Week accolades.
Road HaWWWWWWWWWWWgs
It’s hard to win on the road in the SEC. Under skipper Courtney Deifel, Arkansas has found a formula that’s resulted in 11 consecutive SEC road series wins. The Razorbacks are looking for the 12th straight SEC road series victory in Columbia this weekend. Arkansas’ last road series loss was at Alabama on March 6-8, 2020. Eight of the Hogs’ last 11 conference road series have come against top-25 foes, including two top-10 decisions. Arkansas has won 11 of its last 13 SEC series, dating back to the start of the 2021 season. With a road series win against Missouri, Arkansas will have won EVERY SEC road series the last three seasons.
Series History
Arkansas and Missouri meet for the 26th time on Friday.
The Razorbacks face Missouri in Columbia for the first time since 2017. Arkasas won the series in 2017.
Arkansas is chasing back-to-back series wins vs. Missouri in Columbia.
The Hogs have won two straight games vs. Missouri.
The teams last met in the 2022 SEC Championship game on May 14, 2022. Arkansas blanked the Tigers, 4-0, to clinch the prorgam’s first SEC Tournament Championship.
In the 2022 SEC Tournament Championship, RHP Chenise Delce tossed a two-hit shutout with five strikeouts. Delce did not allow a walk. Kacie Hoffmann starred offensively for the Hogs, finishing 2-for-3 with a triple and run scored.
Missouri leads the all-time series 15-10.
RPI SZN
Arkansas sits at No. 13 in the latest RPI rankings. The Hogs also boast one of the most impressive resumes in the nation.
The Hogs have played the most games in the country against opponents inside the RPI top-25 (25).
Arkansas possesses a .480 win percentage and claims 12 wins vs. opponents inside the RPI top-25.
The Razorbacks own a .576 win percentage and 19 wins vs. foes inside the RPI top-50 (33).
Arkansas has one RPI top-10 win this season (Louisiana).
The Razorbacks rank fifth nationally in top-25 (RPI) victories (12).
Arkansas ties for fifth nationally in top-50 RPI wins with 19.
The Hogs have played the fifth-most games nationally vs. opponents inside the RPI top-50.
For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks –
Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.
STARKVILLE, MS – No. 6 Arkansas (33-12, 14-7 SEC) goes on the road to square off against Mississippi State (24-20, 6-15 SEC) with hopes of locking up back-to-back series wins in Starkville for only the second time in school history.
First pitch in the series opener between the two SEC Western Division foes is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Dudy Noble Field on SEC Network+. Game two is slated to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 6, on ESPN2, while the third and final game of the weekend series will get underway at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 7, on SEC Network+.
The Hogs have won three straight regular-season series against the Bulldogs, including a three-game sweep in Starkville in 2021. Arkansas last won consecutive road series against Mississippi State during the 2010 and 2012 campaigns.
Mississippi State – RHP Cade Smith (1-1, 5.54 ERA)
Saturday, May 6
Arkansas – TBA
Mississippi State – TBA
Sunday, May 7
Arkansas – TBA
Mississippi State – TBA
Tune In
Mike Ferrin (play-by-play) and Lance Cormier (analyst) will have the call of Saturday’s game on ESPN2. Bart Gregory (play-by-play) and Charlie Winfield (analyst), meanwhile, will handle Friday and Sunday’s broadcasts on SEC Network+.
The entire series can also be heard on the Razorback Sports Network from Learfield, including locally in Fayetteville on 92.1 FM or through the Razorback app, with Phil Elson on the call. A full list of radio affiliates is available here.
Series History Arkansas is 54-57 all-time against Mississippi State, including a 19-29 record in games played in Starkville. Under head coach Dave Van Horn, the Hogs are 33-28 overall with a 13-14 record on the road against the Bulldogs since 2003.
The Razorbacks, 8-1 in their last nine games against the Bulldogs, have won three straight series against Mississippi State, including a road sweep in 2021. Arkansas has not won consecutive series in Starkville since 2010 and 2012 and will be looking to pick up its fourth straight series win against Mississippi State for only the second time in program history.
Machine of Consistency Under head coach Dave Van Horn, Arkansas has started 14-7 or better in league play for four consecutive seasons. It is the best stretch of starting 14-7 or better in SEC play since LSU did it from 1989-92.
2019: 15-6 start / 20-10 final SEC
2020: N/A
2021: 15-6 start / 22-8 final SEC record
2022: 14-7 start / 18-12 final SEC record
2023: 14-7 start / TBD
With at least two wins this weekend, the Razorbacks would move to 16-8 or better through 24 games in SEC play for the fourth straight season.
Hagen on the Hill
Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith will get the start in Friday night’s series opener against Mississippi State. The left-hander was the Razorbacks’ No. 1 starter to begin the year but transitioned to a “wild card” role due to early-season injuries.
For the year, Smith has made 12 appearances with six starts, including two in SEC play. He is 6-1 with a team-leading 2.64 ERA and two saves over 47 2/3 innings of work on the mound. The true sophomore has struck out a team-high 71 batters and limited opposing hitters to a meager .187 batting average.
Smith’s two previous SEC starts this season have also come on the road. In his last SEC start, Smith spun five innings of two-run ball at Georgia on April 22, matching his season high with eight strikeouts in the outing.
– ArkansasRazorbacks.com || On Twitter @ArkRazorbacks || Facebook.com/ArkansasRazorbacks –
Note to Our Readers:The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Oliver Grigg.
