Willamette Softball Player Injured During Game with Oregon Tech

Fortunately, the collision between the player and the outfield chain-link fence turned out to be not as bad as it looked.

Injured Willamette player Photo by: Kevin Hays

(SALEM) - A Willamette University softball player is recovering at home Wednesday night after sustaining neck and back injuries while trying to catch a deep fly ball during Willamette’s game with Oregon Tech Wednesday afternoon.

Freshman outfielder Caitlin Waugh from Lodi, California was playing centerfield when a ball was hit deep to center-right field in the top of the 4th inning.

As she was tracking the ball towards the outfield fence, she misjudged the distance between her and the fence, and hit the chain-link fence face first, leaving her on the ground motionless.

Willamette coaches and medical staff rushed to Caitlin’s aid, while the crowd and players watched in shock and disbelief over what they had just seen.

One witness said he heard Caitlin’s head hit the fence, while another said he saw the left side of her face and head hit the top of the fence.

Salem Fire Department firefighters arrived a short time after the accident and stabilized Caitlin. She was taken to Salem Hospital by Rural Metro Ambulance in good condition firefighters said.

The hospital says Waugh was treated and released Wednesday evening.

Willamette fan Amber Staron said “my heart goes out to that girl and her family. I hope she makes a full and speedy recovery.”

The game was postponed for about 20 minutes. Oregon Tech won the game 10-5, which was part of a doubleheader.

A compete report along with pictures from the game can be found later tonight in our sports section.