Razorbacks vs Ole Miss: Super Regional Preview & Updates

Razorbacks Rumble: Can Arkansas Softball Conquer the Super Regional adn Reach the WCWS?

Can the Arkansas Razorbacks finally break through and reach the Women’s College World Series? Bogle Park is set to be electric as the No. 4 national seed Hogs face off against Ole Miss in a Super Regional showdown May 23-25.

Super Regional Schedule and Broadcast Data

Mark your calendars, Razorback fans! Matt Schumacker and kenzie Fowler will be on the call for all the action. Friday night’s game kicks off at 7 p.m.CT and will be nationally televised on ESPNU. Saturday’s game is slated for 8 p.m. CT. Sunday’s game, if necessary, has yet to be announced. Stay tuned for TV assignments for the weekend’s final games.

Razorbacks’ road to the Super Regional: A Season of dominance

The Razorbacks boast a stellar 43-12 record, fueled by a dominant performance in their regional, where they swept Saint Louis and Oklahoma State. This marks their fourth Super Regional appearance,with previous trips in 2018,2021,and 2022. The ultimate goal? A coveted spot in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS).

Key Stats and Achievements:

• Seventh 40-win season in program history, with five under Coach Courtney Deifel.
• Program-record 23 run-rule wins this season.
• Outscored opponents 421-166.
• Program-record five series wins against Top 10 opponents.

Quick Fact: The Razorbacks have more run-rule wins (23) than seven-inning wins (20) this season!

national recognition: Razorbacks Soar in the Polls

The Razorbacks have consistently ranked among the nation’s elite, reaching No. 1 in the Softball America Poll – a program first! They also hold top rankings in other major polls, solidifying their status as a national powerhouse.

Poll Positions:

• No. 1 in Softball America Poll.
• no. 2 in D1 Softball Poll.
• No. 3 in ESPN/USA Softball Poll.
• No. 4 in NFCA/GoRout Coaches Poll.

Arkansas has maintained a Top 25 ranking in the NFCA Coaches poll for a program-best 86 consecutive weeks, joining an elite group of programs.

history on Their Side? The Razorbacks’ NCAA Tournament Legacy

Arkansas holds a 23-26 all-time record in NCAA Tournament play, with a winning 15-14 mark under Coach Deifel. This Super Regional is a crucial step towards their first WCWS appearance.

Super Regional History:

• Previous appearances: 2018 (Oklahoma),2021 (Arizona),2022 (Texas).
• Seeking their first WCWS berth.

The Razorbacks lead the all-time series against Ole miss 43-35, despite Ole Miss winning the regular season series. Arkansas won the final game in dominant fashion, scoring a whopping 20 runs.

Scouting the Rebels: What to Expect from Ole Miss

ole Miss enters the Super Regional with a 40-18 record,fresh off a regional victory in Tucson. They’ll be a tough opponent, led by key offensive players and a strong pitcher.

Key Ole Miss Players:

• Jaden Pone: .377 batting average,60 hits.
• Pery Llamas: .372 batting average, 10 home runs, 53 RBI.
• Brianna Lopez: 2.65 ERA, 13-4 record.

Hogs Honored: All-SEC and All-American Accolades

Several razorbacks have earned prestigious awards this season,highlighting their individual talent and contributions to the team’s success. Bri Ellis was named SEC Player of the Year, joining KB Sides as the only Hogs to achieve this honor.

All-SEC and all-American Honorees:

• bri Ellis: SEC Player of the Year, First-Team All-SEC, SEC All-Defensive Team, First Team All-American (Softball America).
• Robyn Herron: Second Team All-SEC, Second Team All-American (Softball America).
• Reagan Johnson: Second Team All-SEC.
• Ella McDowell: Second Team All-SEC, Freshman all-American (Softball America).
• Payton Burnham: Freshman All-American (Softball America).

Arkansas had a program-record eight players earn NFCA All-Region honors,showcasing the team’s depth and talent.

Bri Ellis: A historic Hitting Season

Bri Ellis is having a season for the ages, putting up numbers that rival some of the greatest hitters in softball history. her performance is a key factor in the Razorbacks’ success.

Ellis’s Dominating Stats:

• .457 batting average, 26 home runs, 72 RBI.
• 1.142 slugging percentage, .646 on-base percentage, 1.788 OPS.
• Leads the nation in slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and OPS.

Expert Tip: Keep an eye on Bri Ellis at the plate. Her ability to get on base and drive in runs is unmatched.

Ellis was named National Player of the Year by Softball America, the first Razorback to receive this honor. Her numbers are even being compared to Barry Bonds’ legendary 2001 season!

Hot Red Rijo: A Clutch Performer in the Postseason

Atalyia Rijo has been on fire in the NCAA Tournament, setting and tying the program record for hits in a game. Her clutch hitting has been instrumental in the Razorbacks’ regional victory.

Rijo’s Regional Performance:

• Set program record with four hits in a game against Oklahoma State.
• Tied her own record with another four-hit performance in the Regional Final.
• batted .900 during the regional.

Rijo’s family has a rich baseball history, with her father playing professionally and her cousin being World Series MVP Jose Rijo.

Robyn herron: A Dominant Force in the Circle

Junior left-hander Robyn Herron has been a workhorse for the Razorbacks,racking up wins and strikeouts while limiting opposing hitters. Her performance in the circle will be crucial in the Super Regional.

herron’s Key Stats:

• 18-6 record, 2.57 ERA, 155 strikeouts.
• Opponents batting .193 against her.
• Second-Team All-American (Softball America).

The Razorbacks are 28-6 when herron pitches 5+ innings, highlighting her importance to the team’s success.

Raking at the Plate: the Razorbacks’ Offensive Prowess

the Razorbacks’ offence is among the nation’s best,ranking high in numerous categories. Their ability to score runs in bunches makes them a risky opponent.

Offensive Rankings:

• 9th in hit-by-pitch.
• 7th in runs per game.
• 4th in SAC flies.
• 6th in on-base percentage.
• 4th in walks.

This year’s team is on pace to break several program records, including doubles, on-base percentage, and walks.

Seasy Spinners: The Razorbacks’ Pitching Depth

The Razorbacks’ pitching staff has been outstanding this season, posting a low ERA and striking out a high number of batters. Their depth in the circle gives them a notable advantage.

Pitching Stats:

• 2.94 ERA.
• 331 strikeouts.
• Opponents batting .215.

Arkansas has registered 45 shutouts since the start of the 2023 season and three pitchers have thrown no-hitters this season.

RAE$: Reagan Johnson’s Record-Breaking Career

Reagan Johnson is one of the most accomplished players in program history,holding the all-time record for career batting average. Her speed and ability to get on base make her a valuable asset to the team.

Johnson’s Career Achievements:

• All-time program leader in career batting average (.374).
• Third in career on-base percentage (.427).
• Fifth in career stolen bases (50).

Johnson is closing in on becoming one of three active Division I players with 73+ hits in each of the previous three seasons.

For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Can Arkansas Softball Conquer the Super Regional and Reach the WCWS? An Expert’s Take

The Arkansas Razorbacks are on the cusp of making history, heading into the NCAA Super Regional against Ole Miss with Women’s College World Series (WCWS) dreams in sight. To delve deeper into the team’s chances, key players, and what to expect, we sat down with renowned softball analyst, Dr. Emily Carter.

Time.news Editor: Dr. Carter,thanks for joining us. The Arkansas Razorbacks are generating a lot of buzz as they head into the Super Regional. What makes this team so special this year?

Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a pleasure to be here. This Arkansas softball team is exceptional.Their 43-12 record speaks volumes, but it’s the way they’ve achieved it that’s remarkable. They dominated their regional, sweeping saint Louis and Oklahoma State, and their offense is explosive. This is their fourth Super Regional appearance, and they’re hungry for that elusive WCWS berth.

Time.news Editor: Their offense is definitely eye-catching. What’s driving that success?

Dr. Emily Carter: It starts with Bri ellis, without a doubt. She’s having a historic season, leading the nation in slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and OPS.Her numbers are staggering – a.457 batting average, 26 home runs, and 72 RBI. She’s not just having a good year; she’s having a generational year. But it’s not just Ellis. Atalyia Rijo is red-hot in the postseason, setting and tying program records for hits in a game. The Razorbacks as a whole are among the nation’s best offensively, ranking high in runs per game, on-base percentage, and walks.

Time.news Editor: Ellis’s performance is drawing Barry Bonds comparisons! Beyond individual stars, how does Coach Deifel’s leadership contribute to their success?

Dr. Emily Carter: Coach Deifel has built a program of sustained excellence. This is their seventh 40-win season, and five of those are under her leadership. She’s instilled a winning culture and created a team that’s both talented and resilient. The fact that they’ve had a program-record 23 run-rule wins this season highlights their dominance and Coach Deifel’s ability to prepare them thoroughly. The Razorbacks have also maintained a Top 25 ranking in the NFCA Coaches poll for a program-best 86 consecutive weeks, which is a testament to the consistency and stability she brings to the program.

Time.news Editor: The pitching staff has also been a talking point. Tell us more about their performance.

Dr. Emily carter: Absolutely. Robyn Herron is a true ace, with an 18-6 record and 155 strikeouts. Opponents are batting just .193 against her. she’s a workhorse who can shut down opposing offenses. Plus, the entire pitching staff has posted a low ERA of 2.94 and an impressive 331 strikeouts, and their depth in the circle provides a huge advantage. Having multiple pitchers who can throw no-hitters this season only underscores their strength.

Time.news Editor: They’re facing Ole Miss in the Super Regional. What are the key matchups to watch?

Dr. Emily Carter: Ole Miss is a tough team with a 40-18 record, and they’re coming off a regional victory. Jaden Pone and pery llamas are key offensive threats, and Brianna Lopez is a solid pitcher. For Arkansas, it’s all about Ellis and Herron.if Ellis can continue her dominant hitting and Herron can control the game from the circle, the Razorbacks will be in a great position to win. Ultimately, Arkansas leads the all-time series against Ole Miss 43-35, a history that might give them a slight psychological edge.

Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to Razorbacks fans heading to Bogle Park or watching from home?

Dr. Emily Carter: Get loud and be supportive! Bogle Park needs to be electric. The team feeds off that energy. Pay attention to the pitching matchups and strategic decisions made by both head coaches, Courtney Deifel and Jamie Trachsel. For those watching at home, make sure you tune in to ESPNU on Friday at 7 p.m. CT to catch the opening game. And most importantly, believe in this team. They have the talent and the grit to make a deep run in the tournament.

Time.news Editor: Any final thoughts as Arkansas softball seeks its first-ever WCWS berth?

Dr. Emily Carter: This is a special possibility for Arkansas softball. They have a team that’s firing on all cylinders, from dominant hitting to stellar pitching, and a seasoned coach at the helm.They have the talent to get the job done.

Keywords: Arkansas Razorbacks, softball, Super Regional, Women’s College World Series, WCWS, bri Ellis, Robyn Herron, Courtney Deifel, NCAA Tournament, Ole Miss, college softball.