KWVA Sports- April 10th, 2022
Written story by Ben McGrath
The 14th ranked Oregon Ducks Softball team suffered a tough 8-6 home loss to the 16th ranked Arizona State Sun Devils on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The Ducks looked for revenge in this one after dropping 5 straight games, however the dominant ASU offense shut the Ducks down and handed them their 6th straight loss. The conditions were certainly a factor as both teams struggled to field the ball cleanly as well as get a good grip on their throws.
Stevie Hansen started the game off strong holding ASU scoreless in the first two innings. Meanwhile the Ducks were able to gather two runs after an RBI double from Terra McGowen and a fielder's choice RBI to end the 1st inning. However the momentum shifted to the Sun Devils as Jazmine Hill hit a grand slam to take the lead for ASU 4-2 in the top of the third. Reagan Breedlove checked into the circle in the top of the third to replace Stevie Hansen who struggled to find the strike zone. After the monstrous grand slam from ASU the Ducks responded as Terra McGowan hit an RBI single to bring Rachel Cid home to make the score 4-3. However ASU regained control in the top of the 4th after Cydney Sanders blasted a 3 run homer to center field to make the score 7-3 going into the 5th inning while Oregon was only able to scrape together 1 run in the 1st. As the Ducks pitching continued to struggle, Makenna Kliethermes took to the circle to try to change the tide of Oregon's pitching. The Oregon Offense went cold in the 5th inning however was supported by an exelent pitching performance as Makenna Kliethermes pitched a no hitter through the 5th and 6th inning. Meanwhile, the Ducks bounced back after Allee Bunker blasted a 2 run homer to put the ducks down 1 run 7-6 in the bottom of the 6th. Makenna Kliethermes pitching dominance came to an end as ASU picked up a run making the score 8-6 going into the bottom of the 7th. The Ducks were not able to capitalize in the bottom of the 7th despite an impressive double by KK Humphreys to keep the game alive for the Ducks.
The Ducks will look to get their season back on track after losing 6 straight games as they face off against Arizona State on April 4th. You can find that game broadcast live on 88.1 FM or follow along for live game updates on the kwva sports twitter account.