By: Olivia Arciniega
The Oregon Softball team came to play today, winning the game 6-4 and the series 2-1 against #9 Washington. A great defensive effort and an even better offensive show led the Ducks to victory, with notable efforts from Alyssa Daniell, Elise Sokolsky, and Morgan Scott.
Jane Sanders stadium was full of energy and sun, a nice break from the previous rain delays that occurred earlier in the series. However, it was still a slow start for the Ducks. The Huskies came out swinging against Stevie Hansen, who struggled on the mound throughout the first inning. Washington’s right fielder Alana Johnson knocked one out of the park early, racking up an RBI and 2 runs against Oregon. An error from KK Humphrey during the top of the second allowed Jillian Celis to collect an unearned run. Shortly after, Hansen was taken out after facing eight batters, and allowing 5 to advance to the bases with 3 of them being walks. Sokolsky took control on the mound, and the momentum of the game began to shift.
Washington’s pitcher Ruby Meylan held the Ducks to a scoreless four innings, until the bottom of the fifth. Sinicki began the run, hitting a double to right center. Right after Kai Luschar advances to first due to an error in the infield. With a ground out to second by Hanna Delgado, the Ducks had bases loaded, with Daniells at bat. Her double to center field gave her three RBIs and tied the game 3-3.
Almost immediately after, Jane Sanders stadium was electric yet again. With Daniells and Emma Kauf on base, Kaite Flannery hit the first homerun for the Ducks of the game, putting Oregon ahead of the Huskies for the first time in the game 6-3. Shortly after, Meylan was pulled out of the game for Sidne Peters.
Sokolsky racked up four strikeouts throughout four innings, and had a complete shutout, allowing no runs for the Huskies. Morgan Scott then took to the mound to close out for the Ducks. Scott showed impressive mental strength, as she pitched two strikeouts with bases loaded during the top of the 7th. Despite allowing one run to make the game 6-4, Scott held her own, and soon enough, the Ducks were celebrating after breaking a seven year streak of losing to Washington at home consecutively.