A No. 2 ranked team in the country. A reputation of historical dominance where grit, sweat and tears are the lineup. Do you know to which team I’m referring? I’d love to say the UO track and field team, but this feature is all about the ladies in green dominating the softball field and swatting away the competition. That’s right Ducks fans, our Oregon softball team has started to ”play ball.”
Number 2. Wait, number 2? In the country!? Yeah, that’s right! In the last six games, opponents have only scored 15 runs on the Ducks, including three shutouts. Head coach Mike White has excelled in recruiting, training, and coaching these young women to success on the field. Of the Ducks’ 21 players, only four are seniors. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but it looks like this Duck dynasty will be around for a while.
Oregon is batting exceptionally well this season.
This season’s Ducks have been putting teams away both in the field and at the plate. The story begins and ends with the Ducks’ outstanding roster, notably Hailey Decker, a junior transfer from Nebraska, and freshmen sensation Jenna Lilley.
According to Pete Martini of the Statesman Journal, “Oregon junior first baseman Hailey Decker, from McNary High School, is batting .278, with two doubles, one RBI and six runs scored. Decker, who has a .409 on-base percentage, is in her first season with the Ducks after transferring from Nebraska.”
According to goducks.com, “Freshman Jenna Lilley came into the season as one of the top recruits in the nation out of Hoover HS in North Canton, Ohio. The third baseman certainly delivered, going 10-of-19 over her six collegiate games (.526).” She was awarded PAC 12 Player of the Week following the Kajakawa Classic Feb. 6-8.
Celebration in order after a home run for the Ducks vs Washington.
The Ducks head to Waco, Texas this week (Feb. 16-21) for a week-long tournament. Their first home opener is against rival Oregon State in a typical Civil War fashion on Friday, March 13th at 4:00pm. Mark your calendars! I hope to see a lot of Ducks fans at Howe Field in support of our beloved Ducks!
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Ashley Young is current senior at the University of Oregon and grew up an avid Seattle Seahawks fan, despite all the ups and downs of past seasons. She has made her way to the University of Oregon and now loves watching the Ducks dominate in all sports. In her spare time, she has discovered a passion through the sport of Ultimate Frisbee and is a co-captain for the University of Oregon Women’s Ultimate team, last year’s national champions. Twitter: @AshleyHopeYoung