Oregon’s softball team showcased remarkable determination as they defeated Ole Miss 6-5 in a thrilling Women’s College World Series elimination game on Friday. This victory not only extended the Ducks’ season by at least two more days but also emphasized their resilience, especially after a walk-off home run by senior outfielder Dez Patmon just two weeks prior clinched a comeback against Stanford.
Kedre, another senior on the team, echoed the sentiments of her teammate, stating, “When Dez said she wasn’t ready to hang up the cleats, we said the same thing today. We’re going to fight, no matter what.” The Ducks, who hold an impressive record of 54 wins this season, are now tied for the second-most wins in program history, achieving this in their seventh season under head coach Lombardi.
The game against Ole Miss was a testament to Oregon’s fighting spirit, especially as they overcame a two-run deficit. Pitcher Grein, who threw an exhausting 144 pitches to achieve her 30th win of the season, was pivotal in keeping the game alive. She expressed her commitment to her team, stating, “As long as we have innings and there’s outs to spare, I’ll stay however long it will take for us to win.”
The team demonstrated their resilience throughout the match, taking a 5-2 lead, only to see Ole Miss rally and tie the game in the seventh inning. However, the Ducks refused to back down, scoring the winning run in the 10th after a bases-loaded walk. Head coach Lombardi praised her players, acknowledging their efforts and the support from their fans.
This victory marks another important milestone for the Ducks, who have won three games on their final at-bat during this postseason. With a large crowd of 12,400 in attendance, the atmosphere at the game felt electric, reminiscent of a home advantage for the Ducks.
Looking ahead, Oregon will face the loser of the Oklahoma and Texas game on Sunday at 4 p.m. PT in another critical elimination match. With their fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure, the Ducks remain a team to watch as they progress in the tournament.