12th-ranked Oregon Prepares for Pac-10 in Final Weekend of Non-Conference Play
ON THE HORZON
The University of Oregon softball team moved up two spots in the ESPN.COM/USA Softball poll, improving its ranking to 12th in the nation this week, tied with Baylor. Only one team, No. 3 Oklahoma (33-2), has more victories than the Ducks this season, who are off to their best start in program history with a record of 30-3. Oregon helped bolster its ranking with a 6-0 performance in its home-opening weekend at Howe Field last week; victorious in three consecutive days of doubleheaders against Utah State, Towson and South Dakota State.
Last weekend’s Cascade Clash began a five-weekend home stretch for the Ducks. This weekend, Idaho State brings its first-year softball program to Eugene for a 1p.m. doubleheader on Saturday, followed by a 1 p.m. doubleheader with Utah Valley State on Sunday. There will then be a quick trip to Portland State (Wed., March 28), before action in the Pac-10 begins against Cal (3 p.m., Fri., March 30) and Stanford (1 p.m., Sat.-Sun., March 31 & April 1). The Bears (22-12) are currently ranked 25th in the NFCA/USA Today poll, while the Cardinal (21-5) is ranked 13/10 in both national polls.
AIR TIME
Duck fans can also follow Saturday’s doubleheader with Idaho State and Sunday’s doubleheader with Utah Valley State with live stats provided on www.goducks.com. Also, Saturday's contests against Idaho State can be followed on KWVA, with Eric Olson and John Strong providing the broadcast.
RECENTLY
The Ducks return to Howe Field last weekend was nothing short of a blazing success, as Oregon hosted three days of doubleheaders as part of the Cascade Clash. In six games, Oregon was undefeated, ending five of those games early due to the eight-run rule. Oregon outscored its opponents 49-1 during the tournament, surrendering its only run in the last inning of the last game against South Dakota State on Sunday.
The Ducks’ pitching combination of Melissa Rice and Alicia Cook held opponents to a .129 average, allowing one run on 15 hits in 34 innings on the mound. The duo also totaled 21 strikeouts.
Oregon’s offense took care of the rest, hitting .468 as a team with 24 extra-base hits (13 doubles, four triples, seven home runs), 49 RBIs, 20 walks and a 22-of-24 performance in stolen base attempts. It marked the third time this season Oregon has completed a tournament undefeated.
WEEKEND PROMOTIONS
During this upcoming weekend the Ducks will be offering reduced ticket prices courtesy of Bi-Mart. Saturday's game against Idaho State will be a Bi-Mart Family Day, show your Bi-Mart card at the Howe Field ticket window and 2 Adults and unlimited kids will be admitted for $10. Sunday's game against Utah Valley State will be a Bi-Mart $2 Day. Fans can visit any local Bi-Mart and pick up a voucher good for a $2 admission. Turn in the voucher at the Howe Field ticket window the day of the game to receive the discount.
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