FAYETTEVILLE — It’s going to be a lot warmer when the Arkansas Razorbacks’ softball team plays Wichita State today for the second time this season.
The stakes will be much higher, too.
It’s supposed to be 89 degrees when the Razorbacks and Shockers play at 1:30 p.m. in a second-round NCAA regional game at Bogle Park.
The Shockers beat the Razorbacks 1-0 on March 6 in Wichita, Kan., with the temperature dipping to 32 degrees.
“The weather was brutal,” University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Coach Courtney Deifel said. “It was the worst conditions we’ve played in, but that’s not why we lost.
“They were better than us that day regardless of the conditions.”
Wichita State Coach Kristi Bredbenner, whose team beat Oklahoma State 8-2 in Friday’s regional opener, recalled it also was windy the last time the Shockers played the Razorbacks.
“The wind was blowing straight in from left field as well as it being freezing cold,” Bredbenner said. “So the thing we’re going to take away from that game is that [the Razorbacks] probably are going to be a different team from who they were that night in that cold weather.”
Wichita State junior left-hander Bailey Lange, who pitched a complete game in beating Oklahoma State, held the Razorbacks to five hits in shutting them out. The teams were supposed to play a doubleheader, but the second game was cancelled because of the weather.
“It was some tough conditions,” Arkansas second baseman Haydi Bugarin said. “Playing at home is going to be a lot better.”
Arkansas is 25-2 at home this season.
“So we’re going to prepare for a very, very tough opponent and a very tough atmosphere,” Bredbenner said. “Come out there and have a little fun.”
Deifel said she’s excited about a rematch with the Shockers.
“When you lost a tough one earlier in the season, it’s always nice to get another shot at them,” Deifel said. “It’s big.”