The University of Oregon softball team defeated the University of Washington 5-4 on Apr. 18, as Amari Harper hit a two-out home run in front of a sold-out crowd at Jane Sanders Stadium.
The game was significant for both teams as it affected their standings in the Big Ten Conference and was played during a celebration marking 60 years of Oregon softball. The Ducks’ victory moved them into a tie for third place with Washington, each holding records close behind first-place Nebraska and UCLA.
Harper said, “Any rivalry game, it doesn’t matter if you’re an in-state team or if it’s just competitive like this with UW, it’s awesome. It’s fun to be a part of. I think it’s something that really brings our community and our fans together, which helps our team rally with each other.” Oregon’s win was also highlighted by Emma Cox’s home run and Elon Butler’s defensive play to end the game for the second consecutive day.
Coach Melyssa Lombardi praised her team’s preparation: “I’ve talked to them about how what you do in practice is going to show up in the game. And I don’t know how many balls that we’ve hit to right field, to Elon, that kind of that shallow base hit, and knowing the runner is going to advance. We’ve worked on that so many times, and just watching her do it over and over, under the gun and not even flinching, it’s awesome to get the last out of the game like that. What a play.” Lombardi also commented on pitcher Elise Sokolsky’s return from injury: “Really exciting. We’ve been waiting. She’s been waiting, and just to see her come back and to be able to do it at the Jane in front of all of our fans, and just watch her absolutely compete.” Sokolsky threw 4.2 innings in relief after missing ten games due to injury.
The event included more than 100 alumni celebrating six decades since Oregon softball began competing. All-Americans Cheridan Hawkins and Jess Moore attended along with Olympic medalist Janie Takeda among others from program history.
Sokolsky reflected on seeing past players: “I think one of our big team things…it’s just acknowledging the people that have come before us and the people that are going to come after us as well…To see the people who came before us is really cool…is great.” Harper described hitting her career-high twelfth home run: “Yeah, I think for me power comes from picking good pitches and timing…If I control those two things, the ball will go where I want it to go … Yeah that’s my career high. I’m excited. It’s crazy.” The series concludes Sunday.
