Softball ready for home series against Arkansas

By Justin Chartrand

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Softball (36-8, 10-5 SEC) is riding a seven-game win streak that it will look to keep alive as it faces Arkansas (25-20, 3-12 SEC) for a three-game weekend series at John Cropp Stadium.

The No. 10 Cats are coming off a series sweep against Ole Miss.

UK has been on a tear at the plate and is beginning to perform the way head coach Rachel Lawson expects.

“We’ve been doing a lot of things right,” Lawson said.

Senior Emily Gaines leads the team with a .427 batting average and has 30 runs batted in this season.

Since returning from her injury, senior pitcher and infielder Lauren Cumbess has knocked in 11 runs, smashed two home runs (including one grand slam) and holds a .328 batting average at the plate.

“I think everyone goes through their ups and downs during a season. Right now I just seem to be feeling good and seeing the ball pretty well and just having fun with it,” Cumbess said.

Sophomore Nikki Sagermann has been another key to the Cats’ offense this season. Sagermann currently leads the team with 34 RBIs and is tied with junior Griffin Joiner for a team-best eight home runs this season.

Sophomore Sylver Samuel is currently riding a seven-game hitting streak as well.

With the Cats’ offense surging, the pitching staff has less pressure on its shoulders.

“I think just playing without any pressure, that’s the biggest thing,” Cumbess said. “As a pitcher myself, I feel confident with any of the three (pitchers) up there and also we know that we have each other’s backs.”

Cumbess leads the team with a 1.52 ERA and has struck out 11 batters while allowing only two runs in the three games she has pitched since returning from injury.

“Their mental toughness on the mound has continued to be a strength for us,” Lawson said.

Sophomore pitcher Kelsey Nunley leads the team with 119 strikeouts and has an ERA of 1.93 this season.

“I think coach Lawson does a great job at mixing up pitches and trying to keep me where batters can’t guess what I’m pitching,” Nunley said.

UK’s pitching staff has held teams to just over two runs per game on the season.

With the Cats streaking at the plate, playing sharp defense and dominating on the mound, they have all the ingredients they need going into their matchup with the Razorbacks.

“Arkansas is incredible and their record doesn’t show exactly where the team is,” Lawson said. “We’re going to have to be in a long haul. We’re going to have to keep them from getting their big inning, and then if we can do those couple things, I think we can have a good weekend.”