The last time the No. 20 Oregon softball team stepped out of conference play to take on in-state foe Portland State, the Ducks (39-14, 4-11 Pac-10) were riding a three-game losing streak.
That losing streak came to a screeching halt when the Ducks pounded out 11 runs on seven hits and sophomore pitcher Melissa Rice worked five innings, allowing four hits and one earned run in an 11-1 Oregon victory against Portland State at home.
Oregon again has a chance to end a three-game losing streak today when the Ducks travel to take on the Vikings in a 4 p.m. contest at Erv Lind Stadium.
The Ducks are coming off an 8-0 loss at UCLA on Friday, a 6-4 loss to Washington on Saturday, and an 8-0 loss again to Washington on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Portland State is currently on a three-game winning streak, which is one short of a season-long.
But in the midst of Oregon’s losing streak, a bit of good news is expected this week.
Junior pitcher Alicia Cook, who has missed the majority of the Pac-10 season with a recurring illness, is likely to make her first appearance since an April 13 loss to Washington. Oregon coach Kathy Arendsen said Cook looked healthier and had a good workout on Tuesday and will throw a few innings against Portland State and again this weekend.
Cook’s absence had left Rice as the only regular pitcher. Rice (21-12) has made 10 consecutive starts and has appeared in 19 straight games. But her victory against Portland State was just her second win in her last 10 decisions.
In that game against the Vikings, the Ducks rested a few key starters but still coasted to the easy victory with seven runs coming in the first inning against Vikings’ pitcher Janice Damo.
Starting right fielder Neena Bryant was 1-for-2 with a first-inning grand slam and six Ducks recorded at least one hit and five recorded at least one RBI.
The Ducks hope for a repeat effort today. Oregon plays in its final homestand later this week, taking on defending national champion and No. 5 Arizona on Friday and No. 9 Arizona State on Saturday and Sunday.
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