Oregon softball defeated Washington 8-4 on April 17, ending the Huskies’ unbeaten streak in Big Ten play during a game that marked the 10th anniversary of Jane Sanders Stadium.
The victory moves Oregon (33-9, 14-2 Big Ten) within one game of first-place Washington (34-10, 15-1) with two games left in their weekend series. The result is significant for the Ducks as they aim to tie or overtake both Washington and Nebraska atop the conference standings.
Senior Amari Harper said, “We could really feel their energy from the first pitch on. So I think we kind of carried that into all seven innings, and I think it really helped us in those tight moments, putting pressure on the other team rather than us.” Emma Cox hit two home runs—including a grand slam—and set a new career high with six runs batted in. Pitcher Lyndsey Grein recorded ten strikeouts over seven innings. “She’s an absolute competitor, and what she does rubs off on everybody else,” Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi said about Grein. “She is so confident, and she gives us confidence as well.”
Cox reflected on her performance and her approach to staying focused: “We try to stay in the present moment as much as we possibly can. So whatever happens last, whether it was good or bad, if we spend too much time thinking about it, it’s going to take away from our next thing. So we’re just trying to reset and then take the next right step.” Harper described her mindset during a key bases-loaded walk: “She’s a new pitcher — she’s gonna be more nervous than I am, honestly… Be patient with picking my pitches and just let the game happen.” After hitting her grand slam in front of fans honoring contributors to Jane Sanders Stadium’s construction, Cox said: “I was just grateful for the opportunity to be in that at-bat… when we pass the bat that well, it just always works out.”
The Ducks’ win came after Washington tied the game in the sixth inning before Oregon rallied for five runs with two outs. The teams will play again Saturday and Sunday at Jane Sanders Stadium.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup against Washington, Harper said: “Nobody wants to lose… tomorrow is a new day, and anything could happen. Just trying to reset that mindset on; it’s a new game. Clean slate.”
