The Oregon Ducks softball team finished a three-game sweep of the Washington Huskies on Apr. 19 at Jane Sanders Stadium, winning Sunday’s game 3-1. The No. 13 Ducks improved to a record of 35-9 overall and 16-2 in Big Ten play, remaining one game behind first-place Nebraska as they aim for a second consecutive conference title.
The series was significant for Oregon as it strengthened their case to host postseason games in the coming weeks. Elon Butler contributed two solo home runs during Sunday’s win, while pitcher Lyndsey Grein delivered five shutout innings and Elise Sokolsky earned her third save of the season with two scoreless innings.
“The sweep is big,” said Elon Butler. “It puts us in a great position to win the Big Ten. I’m so proud of this team, and just the way that we’ve grown and developed.”
Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi praised her senior players after the victory: “I just look at the senior class and what they’re doing right now for the rest of our group, just the leadership and the high standard, and just bowing up to every moment and not having any bit of concern, I’m so proud of our seniors and I’m so proud of this group,” Lombardi said. “What an unbelievable weekend.”
Amari Harper also homered in Sunday’s game before receiving a “Golden Ticket” invitation to join AUSL pro league during a postgame ceremony attended by softball legend Natasha Watley. Harper described her reaction: “It was a shock,” Harper said. “There were no words… But just knowing that it’s a true opportunity now to put into play, it’s indescribable.” Butler reflected on her performance over the weekend: “I thought I was seeing the ball really well throughout the whole entire weekend… I just think I had to let it loose a little bit, and honestly, just trusting myself and trust in the work I put in.” Grein spoke about her approach as pitcher: “For me, (I) approach everybody the same… So, respect all but fear none, and then just, foot on the gas… it just matters what goes on between me and (catcher) Emma (Cox).”
Lombardi summarized Oregon’s effort across all aspects: “We talk a lot about all three cylinders, and when they fire, we’re going to be extremely tough to beat,” Lombardi said after noting strong defense alongside hitting and pitching performances from her team over three games against Washington.
This marks Oregon’s first sweep over Washington since 2018—and their first such achievement at home since 2014—while Butler set new school records for extra-base hits in a single season with her fifth career multi-homer game.
Looking ahead, Oregon will face Oregon State at home on Wednesday.
