Jordan Ingram reporting for FishDuck.com at the NCAA Eugene Softball Regionals at Howe Field in Eugene, Ore.
On the second day of the NCAA Eugene Regionals, No. 25 North Dakota State wanted to make a statement against the No. 1 Oregon Ducks. But the three-time reigning Pac-12 Champions showed resolve, battling to a 4-3 victory over the Bison.
Janie Takeda broke another school record for most career doubles.
The Ducks (48-6) have an opportunity to advance to the Super Regionals with a win at 1:00 PM over North Dakota State, or in the rubber match at 4:00 PM if necessary (Live stream at GoDucks.com).
The Bison sent a message to Oregon junior pitcher Cheridan Hawkins (29-3) in the first inning with a solo home run from Cheyenne Garcia, giving the Summit League champs an early 1-0 lead. Hawkins allowed a total of three runs – more than any of her six career NCAA Regional performances combined.
Hawkins threw 11 strikeouts and allowed three runs in Oregon’s 4-3 victory over NDSU.
NDSU’s pitcher Krista Menke (32-4) was as good as advertised and a solid defensive effort allowed only one Duck on base through three innings.
In the bottom of the fourth, Oregon senior Janie Takeda responded with her 41st career double which became the preamble to the Ducks rapid-fire, four run rebuttal.
Freshman Jenna Lilley’s RBI single sent Takeda home for a run and Lilley scored on Hailey Decker‘s RBI double down the leftfield line.
B5 | @jtakeda19 smacks her school record 42nd career double to left! Also leads UO in hits, runs, SBs. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/sqgUrfWWXF
— Oregon Duck Softball (@OregonSB) May 15, 2015
Geri Ann Glasco singled with a bunt to third base, advancing Decker to third. After Decker scored on a wild pitch, the Ducks went up 2-1 for their first lead of the game.
Koral Costa added to the Bison’s woes with a two-run homer and with a 4-1 lead, it appeared Oregon’s offense had provided just enough for the victory.
AUDIO: @koralcosta7 spoke with us after @OregonSB took down NDSU 4-3 to advance to the regional final. Listen: https://t.co/kConSsZbUa — KWVA Sports (@KWVASports) May 15, 2015
However, a two-run homer by NDSU’s Logan Moreland in the top of the sixth erased Oregon’s three run cushion, pushing the Bison to within one. But the Ducks didn’t relinquish their lead, holding on to finish the game, 4-3.
Behind @CheridanH11‘s 11 strikeouts and @jtakeda19‘s two doubles the Ducks survived vs. No. 24 NDSU. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/Vc0qPf4EXY
— Oregon Duck Softball (@OregonSB) May 15, 2015
The afternoon also marked another collegiate milestone for Takeda with her second double of the game – her 42nd-career double and another career school record this season.
The Ducks play North Dakota State Saturday at 1 PM at Howe Field. Oregon clinches a Super Regional berth with a victory over the Bison in the four-team double elimination tourney. The Bison, already down a game, would need to beat the Ducks in the 1 PM game and then again in a 4 PM rubber match to advance.
The Ducks are a victory away from a Super regional appearance.
Top photo by Dave Peaks
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Jordan is a lifelong Duck fan currently living in San Diego. Jordan graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, after serving a prestigious fellowship with the Washington State House of Representatives. Upon graduation, he worked as an English language teaching assistant for the Spanish Ministry of Education’s Ambassadorial Program in Monforte de Lemos, Spain. Jordan has worked as a journalist, writer, and editor in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California, covering a wide range of topics, including sports, local politics, and crime. He is VERY excited to be writing about his beloved Oregon Ducks.