The Oregon softball team left for its final tournament before the Ducks have their home opener next Wednesday.
This week’s trip takes Oregon to San Diego for the San Diego Classic. The Ducks kick off the tournament today with a game against San Diego at 6 p.m.
Friday brings two games against Fresno State and Harvard. The Ducks play Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday and end the tournament with games against James Madison and San Diego State.
Oregon returns to Eugene next week for its home opener against Portland State on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
After facing three top-10 teams last weekend, this weekend offers a reprieve with only one of Oregon’s opponents in the Top-25 – San Diego State at No. 20 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25.
Oregon sits at 9-7 overall.
Of Oregon’s regulars, Sari-Jane Jenkins leads the team with a .354 batting average with 11 runs and 17 hits. Lovena Chaput, who has made the switch from outfield to shortstop, is hitting .340 with eight runs, 16 hits and three home runs. Neena Bryant is the other Oregon hitter batting above .300 at .320 with eight runs, 16 hits and two home runs.
Kayleen Hudson, making her return from a stress fracture in her right foot that led her to redshirt last season, is batting .243 with four runs and nine hits.
Monique Fuiava is making an impact as a freshman with a .222 average, three home runs and eight RBIs.
“I was a little nervous the first weekend or two, but I’m settling in,” Fuiava said in a media release. “I’m fairly used to this level of pitching from club ball, it was more just being a freshman in a new place. I really enjoy the team, and being able to play a key part right off the bat is exciting.”
Pitcher Alicia Cook is 4-4 with a 1.72 ERA, while freshman Brittany Rumfelt is 4-0 with a 2.84 ERA. Melissa Rice is 1-3 with a 4.81 ERA.
Cook pitched two shutouts in last weekend’s Cathedral City Classic.
Following next week’s home game, Oregon visits Las Vegas again for the UNLV Invitational. The Ducks then comeback to Eugene and host the Cascade Clash. The tournament features Northern Illinois, Mississippi State, Utah State, Idaho State and UC Davis.
The end of the Cascade Clash brings Oregon to the start of Pacific-10 Conference play.
[email protected]