The Oregon Ducks (29-19) dominated both facets of the game to start their NCAA Tournament run with a shutout win over the Boston University Terriers (52-5-1) in an 8-0 run-rule win in just five innings. Elise Sokolsky pitched a complete-game shutout while allowing just two hits to shut down any hope Boston had of recovering from an early deficit.

The Ducks got off to a quick start in the bottom of the second inning. Vallery Wong got the scoring started with a solo shot to right field before Tehya Bird added more to the lead with a two-run homer.

Oregon took full advantage of the momentum it had in the inning to keep increasing the lead. Kai Luschar singled, then scored when Ariel Carlson doubled to deep left center. The Ducks took a 4-0 lead into the third inning.

Sokolsky shut down any hopes of a rally from the Terriers by allowing just one hit between the third and fourth innings before Oregon got another chance to add to its lead.

Paige Sinicki led off the fourth inning with a single, then stole second to get into scoring position. She reached third on a single from Luschar before scoring on a fielder’s choice by Kauf.

The third 1-2-3 inning of the game for Sokolsky in the top of the fifth inning was her final chance in the circle as the Ducks’ offense took care of business in the bottom of the inning.

Katie Flannery, Wong and KK Humphreys all singled to load the bases before Boston was able to get an out. Flannery and Wong both scored, helped by a throwing error from the Terriers on a ball put into play by Bird. Humphreys got to third on the ball and Bird reached base on a fielder’s choice and the throwing error got her to second. Humphreys ended the game by scoring on a sac-fly from Carlson just a few batters later.

Bird recorded three RBIs in the game to lead the Ducks, and Wong and Luschar both recorded two hits.

Oregon now awaits the winner of the No. 2-seeded Oklahoma Sooners and the Cleveland State Vikings. The Ducks will be back in action on Saturday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m.