Lauren Howell wanted the ball for all the obvious reasons and she never gave it back.
No. 23 Wichita State run-ruled No. 9 Arkansas 10-2 in six innings with Howell holding the Razorbacks to five hits and striking out four on Tuesday at Wilkins Stadium. An eight-run first inning – with three home runs – powered the Shockers (20-5) and set Howell up for a strong night against her former teammates.
Howell spent two seasons at Arkansas before transferring to Wichita State. After the game, she hugged and talked with Razorbacks friends. Over the previous two hours, she kept them off-balance with her rise ball and changeup, inducing six popups on the infield, four flyball outs and three foul outs.