Home run derby

Entering the Fayetteville Regional, Arkansas Coach Courtney Deifel knew the four-team field had no shortage of power.

Wichita State entered the tournament with 118 home runs, while Arkansas had hit 102 and Oregon 62. Princeton came into the regional with 15 home runs.

“There’s a lot of power hitters in this region,” Deifel said following the selection show May 15. “I think that’s probably why they kind of grouped us together. There’s a lot of bombs hit by these teams.”

Her analysis was spot on. 17 home runs were hit over the course of three days, with seven belonging to the Razorbacks. Linnie Malkin, Kacie Hoffmann and Danielle Gibson each hit two home runs in the regional, along with one from KB Sides.

“We are just trying to hit the ball hard,” Gibson said after Sunday’s win against Oregon. “We have a lot of power up and down the lineup and so much power and depth. It’s a facet of our game but I think we’re a lot more than the long ball, which I think is cool to say. It’s really fun when you hit a home run or when your teammate hits a home run because it’s just a big celebration.”