2005 Softball Roster
Roster
Ashley Richards
- Position:
- Catcher
- Height:
- 5-6
- Class:
- Senior
- High School:
- Richland
- Hometown:
- Richland, Wash.
2004 ? One of just four players to start all 63 games (50 at 3B; 13 at catcher) for the Ducks, Richards’ junior season was clearly a breakout year as she finished the season second on the team in average (.315) and led all players in home runs (8), doubles (14), RBI (31) and slugging percentage (.522) ? all career-bests. After playing sparingly as sophomore, Richards’ production in 2004 was a key component in Oregon’s run to a second consecutive postseason appearance. Richards hit her first career home run Feb. 13 vs. Texas A&M and hit her second the following day vs. Northridge. But it was on April 25 that Richards provided one of the most memorable moments in the program’s history, hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth inning vs. then-No. 1 Arizona to lead Oregon to a 1-0 win at Howe Field. It was Arizona’s first conference loss of the season and was Oregon’s first win against the Wildcats since 2000. It also marked the first time in program history that Oregon defeated a top-ranked team. A week earlier, Richards helped lead Oregon to a 4-3 victory over then-No. 3 UCLA, finishing the game 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Her batting averaged peaked at .429 and never dipped below .315 as she consistently provided a strong offensive output for Oregon and as the Ducks entered the postseason, Richards had at least one hit in Oregon’s first five postseason games, eventually being named to the Tallahassee Regional all-tournament team. Richards led all players at the regional with three doubles and added four RBI, including two vs. Florida State May 22. Richards will make the switch back to catcher as a senior after playing behind the plate during her sophomore year.
2003 ? Stepped onto the field in 39 contests and started 19 games, including two starts in Oregon’s first tournament of the season. Started two Pac-10 contests ? vs. Washington and Arizona. In two starts ? vs. SE Louisiana and Florida A&M ? at the Seminole Classic, Richards combined to go 2-for-4 with two RBI. Also drove in the winning run in Oregon’s 2-1 victory over Georgia Tech. Made the switch to catcher after playing third base in 2002 and adjusted to her role positively, providing the Ducks with needed depth behind the plate. In 19 starts, Richards committed no errors and was the only player to not commit any defensive errors all season.
2002 ? Had impressive moments during her first collegiate season, in which she played in 49-of-54 games and started 48 games. Began the season with an eight-game hitting streak, including a 2-for-4, one RBI performance against Central Michigan. Was also impressive at times in the difficult Pac-10, going 1-for-3 with one of her five doubles against Stanford April 5. Was stellar in the Ducks’ weekend at the Arizona schools, finishing the three games 3-for-7 (.429) with two doubles and three RBI. Followed that weekend with an impressive outing in Oregon’s doubleheader vs. Hawaii April 30, going 4-for-7 against the Wahine. In Oregon’s final Pac-10 game, a 4-0 win over Stanford, Richards was 1-for-4.
High School ? Played shortstop for four years at Richland High School coached by Dale Hill...received first-team all-league honors and all-Herald team three consecutive years...named defensive player of the year junior and senior years and offensive player of the year sophomore year...helped team win four consecutive league championships...
Personal ? Born Ashley Marie Richards on July 13, 1983 in Hermiston, Ore. Parents are Kelly and Shelley Richards. One brother, Anthony. Engaged to Joel Evans. Major: Psychology.
