Ducks Prepare for Semifinal Showdown

EUGENE, Ore. - The No. 2 Ducks continue their pursuit of a NCATA National Championship on Friday with a clash against sixth-seeded Limestone.

Oregon looks to capture its 20th win all-time in championship competition as the Saints hope to extend an impressive unbeaten run after upsetting the No. 3 seed Azusa Pacific.

MEET NOTES
When: Friday, April 28
Where: Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex | West Liberty, W. Va.
Time: 1:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: https://thencata.org/sports/2023/4/28/Live_SF1.aspx

THE DUCKS vs. THE SAINTS
The Ducks continue a trend of firsts in this year's NCATA National Championship as they take on undefeated Limestone in the semifinals. With its quarterfinal win, the Ducks moved to 5-2 on the season, with four of its wins coming against teams in the championship field. Limestone is a perfect 12-0 on the year, having won back-to-back Conference Carolina championships in the fourth year under head coach Michaela Soper.

DUCKS SOAR INTO NCATA SEMIFINAL
Second-seeded Oregon secured a 265.060-257.200 victory over Frostburg State on Thursday. The Ducks continued their trend of fast starts after taking the compulsory event for the fifth time this season. Through the first four events of the day, the Ducks had an advantage of over three points. However, Oregon lost that lead after setbacks in the tumbling section. The Ducks showed perseverance, fighting past the obstacle and securing the win with a solid performance in the team routine. Rickelle Henderson shined in the six element tumbling pass, scoring a 9.825 on the day.

NO PROBLEM FOR NOWAK
Karly Nowak has been the anchor and leader for Oregon Acrobatics & Tumbling this season. Nowak was awarded for her efforts and earned her first NCATA All-America recognition. The senior participated in 10 routines on three occasions this season and contributed to all six events throughout. The Howell, N.J., native became the first Duck since Addie Lacewell in 2021 to take home NCATA Athlete of the Week honors for her performance against Azusa Pacific on Feb. 22. The senior helped the Ducks earn season-best scores in eight of the 10 events in which she competed, with notable performances in the aerial tumbling heat and the pyramid and toss sections of the compulsory event. Nowak's recognition is the 14th NCATA Athlete of the Week award in program history, as she is the eighth UO athlete to win the weekly honor. Nowak has received athlete of the week honorable mention recognition following three of Oregon's other meets this season.