Damn, the Pac-10 is a tough softball conference.
But that’s common knowledge, right?
It’s kind of obvious, seeing that all nine Pac-10 teams are ranked among the nation’s top 22 teams. Add to it that eight of those — including Oregon State, Oregon’s opponent Tuesday afternoon — are in the top 12.
And the PAC-10’s record in non-conference games this season is 247-44-1.
Basically, the Pac-10 is the bomb.
That fact was neatly reaffirmed Tuesday, as the No. 12 Beavers did what both No. 1 Washington and No. 3 UCLA did last weekend. They shut down the Ducks’ usually — but recently only potentially — vibrant offense in a 2-0 win.
Like usual, Oregon’s Connie McMurren pitched her heart out Tuesday, putting on a stellar showing for 394 fans at Howe Field. With the exception of a rocky second inning, she put her team in a position to win. Instead of getting the victory, the sophomore walked away with another loss, as she had twice last weekend.
During the past five days, McMurren has pitched 20 innings, given up 12 hits and two earned runs, recorded nine strikeouts and, for her efforts, saw her record drop to 9-12.
“I can only focus on myself,” a frustrated McMurren said. “I know my team is behind me giving 100 percent , so it’s just a matter of time. For some reason, right now, it’s just not coming.”
One reason, of course, is who the Ducks (24-17 overall, 1-6 Pac-10) are up against. They’re playing teams that, according to polls, they’re not supposed to beat.
Not that polls matter to Oregon’s players. Especially because these were games the Ducks could have won. They’re games that they were agonizingly close to winning. Three times against Oregon State (27-12-1, 1-6) the Ducks had runners in scoring position but didn’t capitalize.
“We’re just as good as these other teams, we just have to prove it,” McMurren said.
Senior center fielder Jill Robinson concurred.
“It’s so frustrating right now because I think each individual is giving it her all,” the senior leader said. “It’s just a matter of time. … I’m not worried.”
Head coach Rick Gamez isn’t quite so secure.
“There’s a lack of drive,” he said. “Our kids are not giving everything they’ve got … and that does get frustrating. That hurts.”
McMurren and Robinson both said that Oregon has enough desire and confidence left to turn things around, to get back into the brutal Pac-10 race. It’s just a matter of figuring out how, exactly.
“I don’t know why we’re not getting it done,” Robinson said. “All I know is that it can’t go on.”