The game began under stormy skies, it ended even more ominously for the visiting team.
After an underwhelming 3-2 showing last weekend, Oregon Softball (10-7) started the Jane Sanders Classic off hot, thumping Mount St. Mary’s (2-7), 17-0.
“We did a great job offensively, going on to defense we kept the momentum,” head coach Melyssa Lombardi said. “Pitchers and defense won us the game and gave us a good start.”
After Stevie Hansen threw her first of three scoreless innings, Kai Luschar put the Mountaineers on their heels after immediately reaching base on a bunt and stealing second.
Ariel Carlson hit a long fly-ball to the warning track which advanced Luschar to third and brought up Val Wong, who drew a walk.
A well-executed fake steal attempt from Wong would draw a throw to second, giving Luschar all the time she needed to score from home. The Ducks had their first run of the day all with just one hit dribbling a few feet in front of the plate; a perfect example of what they can rely on in closer, more competitive games.
But, Thursday’s contest was not one of those.
Oregon quickly extended its lead by loading the bases for K.K. Humphreys, who smashed a single that got through MSM left-fielder’s legs bringing all three runners home to score.
Tehya Bird walked and stole second putting runners on second and third, but Paige Sinicki would fly out, ending the damage (for now).
An Alyssa Daniell triple and Humphreys’ three-run homer would make it 8-0 in just the second inning. It only got worse for the Mount.
The Ducks then tacked on seven more in the third, leading 17-0 before the Mountaineers had a baserunner.
In the circle, Hansen would keep the Mountaineers at bay throughout, punching out six.
MSM starter Maddie Coleman’s day was significantly worse, she struggled with the strike zone finishing with six walks and 13 earned runs.
Sophia Schmehl wouldn’t fare much better as she entered the game with one out in the third, immediately letting up Humphreys’ sixth RBI and second homer of the day.
Taylour Spencer and Raegan Breedlove relieved Hansen to complete the no-hitter, mercifully ending the first of two scheduled games between the two teams.
“She’s a competitor, she doesn’t fear anything,” Lombardi said of Spencer. “She’s got great energy and I think her teammates feed off of that energy.”
The Mountaineers have had an abysmal start to the season. The opening game against a team with World Series hopes did little to aid their woes
Thursday’s contest took place amid occasional rain and featured a pair of delays. By the time the game was over, Mount St. Mary’s probably wished it kept pouring.
“I’m really excited for this team,” Lombardi said. “I think even with the weather, it’s nice to get home.”
