The Oregon Ducks softball team defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-6 on April 25 at Jane Sanders Stadium, overcoming an early deficit with a strong offensive showing. Emma Cox hit two home runs, and Katie Flannery added a grand slam in the sixth inning to secure the win for No. 12 Oregon in front of a crowd of 2,383.
The game was notable for its power hitting from both teams. While Ohio State managed only four hits—all home runs—the Ducks produced four home runs and consistently drove in runs with players on base. The victory marked Oregon’s eighteenth come-from-behind win this season as they rallied from being down by four runs in the fourth inning.
Coach Melyssa Lombardi said, “I think this group, they always respond when things don’t go our way. They always respond. Every single version has done that since I’ve been here, and I appreciate that.” Lombardi also commented on her team’s resilience: “We knew it was going to be again, two heavyweights going at it and just throwing blow for blow… I thought once we settled in on our defense, you saw our offense settle in the middle of the game and put up three runs in the fourth inning, four runs in the fifth inning, six runs in the sixth inning.”
Elise Sokolsky started for Oregon and allowed five runs—four earned—on three hits but limited additional damage by keeping runners off base. Lyndsey Grein pitched two scoreless innings to earn her first save of the year. Lombardi praised their performances: “I love the way Elise and Lyndsey came in and threw… I just loved how we finished the game… that’s just a sign of a really mature team that’s united and together.” Freshman Taryn Ho contributed offensively with three hits; Lombardi said about Ho: “Just watching Taryn, she’s so free at the plate… She’s just fearless.” Catcher Emma Cox added: “I think we just took (Friday’s) loss really hard… We didn’t give up, we fought to the end, and we just trusted in each other and believed in each other.”
The teams will play again Sunday at noon to decide the series during Senior Day celebrations honoring six Duck seniors.
