Carlyn Re spent her freshman season watching and learning.
She came into this season working hard in practice and putting in extra time. The sophomore first baseman is sharing time with freshman Monique Fuiava.
After starting in a hitting slump, the Tualatin native emerged with her best hitting performance in last week’s trip to Las Vegas for the UNLV Classic. In the five-game tournament, Re hit .333 with four hits and three runs.
She enjoyed a 3-for-3 performance, including two bunt singles, in Oregon’s 10-6 win against Southern Utah.
“Actually playing in the game and getting experience is the best thing for any player,” Re said. “Watching is always helpful, but I think playing and actually being in that situation is the best for me at least.”
The increased efficiency Re had at bat came after she endured a 1-19 stretch to start the season.
“She is a very good hitter who got off to one of the slowest starts you can. When you’re struggling, that hole gets so deep and she showed the kind of character she has that she’s gotten herself back on and gotten her swing going,” coach Kathy Arendsen said.
Re gained insight last season by learning from veteran Kristi Leiter. So this season, instead of seeing it as a competition between herself and Fuiava for playing time, Re has used it as an opportunity to work together with an underclassman.
“I wanted to keep that going and help Monique out as a freshman and hopefully she’ll help out others in the future,” she said.
Last year she was nervous. This year she says that has been replaced by confidence.
“This year it’s been totally fine and it’s been really fun and going by fast,” Re said.
Making an impact
Neena Bryant and Fuiava made their presence felt with their hitting performances in Las Vegas. Bryant, who hit .500, collected eight hits, four runs, a home run and five RBIs. Fuiava hit an identical .500, while connecting for six hits, three runs, a home run and two RBIs.
On the mound, pitcher Melissa Rice delivered three wins with a 0.51 ERA. She allowed 10 hits in 17 2/3 innings.
Coming home again
Oregon left Eugene for Las Vegas unsatisfied with its performance in its 4-0 loss to Portland State at Howe Field.
“All of us were incredibly disappointed in how we played in that home opener. We weren’t ready to play for whatever reason,” Arendsen said. “We have great young women here and for whatever reason we just weren’t on.”
The Ducks have more opportunities to redeem themselves with the Cascade Clash that extends into next week. Oregon starts the stretch of home games today with a double-header against Northern Illinois with the first game starting at 1 p.m.
Oregon also has double-headers with Mississippi Valley State on Friday and Utah State on Saturday.
[email protected]
