Ducks Sweep Northern Illinois

Oregon jumped out to a 3-0 lead when sophomore center fielder Neena Bryant thumped a three-run homer down the left field line in the first inning.

Oregon junior Neena Bryant lined a 3-run homer over the left field wall for a 3-0 first inning lead. Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - The University of Oregon softball team (19-11) wrapped up a doubleheader sweep of Northern Illinois Thursday with a 5-3 win in the afternoon finale at Howe Field.

The Ducks survived their second hour-long rain delay of the day to win thanks to a complete game by junior right-hander Melissa Rice. The Colville, Wash., native pitched seven innings, struck out five, gave up five hits, three earned runs and three walks.

Oregon jumped out to a 3-0 lead when sophomore center fielder Neena Bryant thumped a three-run homer down the left field line in the first inning. Senior third baseman Joanna Gail hit a two-run shot to similar spot in the fourth inning for UO's final runs.

Gail's homer was her team-leading fifth of the season, and only one off her career best from her sophomore season (6). Bryant is now tied for second on the squad this season (4) with freshman designated player Monique Fuiava.

At game's end, six Ducks ended with hits - Bryant (1-for-3), Fuiava (1-for-3), Gail (1-for-3), freshman Cortney Kivett (1-for-3), and senior shortstop Lovena Chaput (1-for-3) and catcher Amie Morris (1-for-3).

Kivett's hit started a new streak after the Yucaipa Calif., native's season-best 15-game streak came to an end in Friday's first game (0-for-4). The Duck newcomer also paces the team this year in batting (.385), hits (40) and stolen bases (22).

On the mound for Northern Illinois(5-5), starter Kate Greenough struck out one and walked three in her complete game and all five of her runs allowed were earned.

After UO won the first game, 4-2, earlier Friday, the skies stayed sunny for the first two innings before another rain front moved through and delayed matters.

When the game resumed around 5:30 p.m., Northern Illinois scored its first run with two outs in the third inning after a single and stolen base by Jenna Roberts, followed by a double up the middle by Michelle Nendza that skipped to the center field wall. NIU pounded out its third straight hit courtesy of Joreigh Landers, but senior right fielder Kayleen Hudson threw out Nendza at home by two steps to end the inning.

The Huskies added two more runs in the sixth after Nendza led off with a walk, advanced to third on a single by the pitcher Kate Greenough, then scored on a fielder's choice. Mitchell scored the next at-bat on a sacrifice bunt by Krystn Sendejas.

Looking ahead, UO returns for another tournament doubleheader at home vs. Mississippi Valley State Friday that starts at 1 p.m. Oregon then welcomes Utah State, Saturday for a twinbill that begins at noon.

Source: goducks.com

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