Razorbacks to open softball season in Mexico

Arkansas softball coach Courtney Deifel is shown Saturday, May 29, 2021, during an NCAA super regional game against Arizona in Fayetteville.

The University of Arkansas softball team will open its 2022 season by competing in the Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) College Challenge from Feb. 10-13.

The Razorbacks are joined by Washington, Long Beach State, Memphis, Lamar and Rutgers as members of the six-team event. All games are played at Nancy Almaraz Stadium and streamed by FloSoftball.

Game dates and times against specific opponents will be released at a later date. The event is hosted by Triple Crown Sports.

Beginning competition in 2015, the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge was the first Division I softball event to be held internationally. The Hogs last played in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge during the 2019 season, going 3-1 with wins over North Dakota State (7-6), Northern Colorado (11-0 in 5 innings) and Sacramento State (8-2) and a setback to No. 5 Washington (3-2).

Arkansas has already announced its 2022 SEC-only regular season schedule and will announce its complete 2022 nonconference slate at a later date.

Coach Courtney Deifel guided the Hogs to their most successful season in school history, winning 43 games and capturing the program’s first SEC title last season. The Razorbacks have 11 newcomers, including four Division I transfers.