Oregon softball completed a sweep of No. 23 Washington on Apr. 19, securing a 3-1 victory at Jane Sanders Stadium and handing the Huskies their third Big Ten loss of the season.
The win positions the No. 13 Ducks (35-9, 16-2 Big Ten) just one game behind first-place Nebraska as they pursue a second consecutive conference title. The series also strengthened Oregon’s case for hosting postseason play in the coming weeks.
“The sweep is big,” said Elon Butler, who hit two solo home runs during Sunday’s game. “It puts us in a great position to win the Big Ten. I’m so proud of this team, and just the way that we’ve grown and developed.”
Butler’s homers came in the third and fifth innings, while pitcher Lyndsey Grein delivered five shutout innings before Elise Sokolsky closed out with her third save of the season. Amari Harper added insurance with a sixth-inning home run and was later awarded a “Golden Ticket” to join the AUSL pro league during a postgame ceremony attended by softball legend Natasha Watley.
Head coach Melyssa Lombardi praised her senior players following the weekend’s results: “I just look at the senior class and what they’re doing right now for the rest of our group, just the leadership and the high standard, and just bowing up to every moment and not having any bit of concern, I’m so proud of our seniors and I’m so proud of this group,” Lombardi said. “What an unbelievable weekend.” Harper described receiving her professional opportunity as indescribable: “There were no words… But just knowing that it’s a true opportunity now to put into play, it’s indescribable.”
The Ducks’ defense played an important role throughout all three games against Washington. Grein said about her approach on pitching: “Have respect for the opponent, but at the same time, everyone’s going to get my best that I have for that day… Doesn’t matter who’s in the box, it just matters what goes on between me and (catcher) Emma (Cox).” Sokolsky entered with two runners on base in sixth inning Sunday but managed to work out of trouble with key outs.
Oregon swept Washington for first time since 2018—and first time at home since 2014—while Butler set new program records with her offensive performance over weekend games.
Looking ahead, Oregon will host Oregon State on Wednesday evening.
