State sports briefs

— FISHING

Rook second at Bassmaster Classic

Scott Rook of Little Rock is in second place with 19 pounds, 7 ounces after Friday’s first day of the Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans.

Aaron Martens leads the three-day event - which will conclude Sunday - with 20 pounds and 7 ounces.

Defending champion Kevin Van Dam is in third with 19 pounds, 3 ounces.

“I got nice fish, just not nearly as many bites as I though I would,” Martens said. “It’s probably the weather, and the stage the fish are in

Dense fog delayed the start ofthe event by more than an hour. The morning forecast called for dense fog again today.

Mike McClelland of Bella Vista is 35th with 9 pounds and 5 ounces, while Stephen Browning of Hot Springs is 38th with 8-12 and Mark Davis of Mount Ida is 42nd with 7 pounds.

BASEBALL

Henderson State begins with victory

Henderson State began its season with a 5-4 victory Friday over Southeastern Oklahoma at Lakeside High School in Hot Springs.

The Reddies did not have a hit in the first four innings, but scored four runs in the fifth inning. Henderson State added an unearned run in the sixth inning. Josh Wesson earned the save for Henderson State.

It was the first collegiate victory for new Henderson State Coach Cody Hooten.

Arkansas-Fort Smith splits at home

Arkansas-Fort Smith junior Kyle Thompson pitched a complete game Friday as the Lions beat Texas A&M International 5-2 in Fort Smith. Texas A&M International (5-4) won the second game of the doubleheader 5-1.

Thompson allowed three hits and had five strikeouts against the 23 batters he faced. Arkansas-Fort Smith only had four hits in the second game. Sophomore designated hitter Christian Allen was 1 for 3 with a run scored.

Williams Baptist wins at home

Williams Baptist beat Mid Continent (Ky.) 9-4 Friday in Walnut Ridge.

John Smith earned the victory with 5 strikeouts in 6 innings pitched and gave up 2 earned runs.

James Mitchell and Caleb Dudley each had three hits with two RBI for Williams Baptist (3-1).

SOFTBALL

Arkansas Tech loses two

Arkansas Tech began the UAH Charger Softball Chillout Tournament with two losses Friday in Decatur, Ala.

Arkansas Tech (1-3) began the day with a 3-2 loss to Augusta State (4-0) and then lost 4-0 in the second game to North Georgia (11-0).

Arkansas Tech will face Truman State and Northern Kentucky today.

VOLLEYBALL

John Brown signs recruit

Katie Darst, a 5-8 setter from Euless, Texas, has signed to play at John Brown next season.

Darst was an all-district high school player all four years. She also holds the school record for service aces.

BASKETBALL

Lyon women reschedule

The Lyon women’s team has rescheduled against visiting Central Baptist.

Due to inclement weather last week, both Lyon men’s and women’s teams will play a makeup game Monday against Union (Tenn.). The women’s team was scheduled to face Central Baptist Monday, but the game is now scheduled for Feb. 28.

Sports, Pages 25 on 02/19/2011

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