Ducks Claim Series Finale

Alicia Cook held California to two hits and a single sixth inning run in leading the Ducks to a 4-1 win at Howe Field Saturday over the 22nd ranked Bears. Hit in the eye by a batted ball earlier in the week, Cook was not expected to be available for the weekend set against the Bay Area schools.

After Oregon's defense betrayed pitcher Melissa Rice in Friday's series opener and California spanked the Ducks 6-1 on Saturday, it was a welcome chore to hand the ball to the senior ace.

Rice held Stanford scoreless for four innings before the defense unraveled to allow an unearned run in the fifth and sixth innings. Mustering only five hits against Stanford's ace, Missy Penna, Oregon's offense never threatened so when the Cardinal tacked on four more runs in the seventh it was mostly for show.

Against California on Saturday, Freshman Brittany Rumfelt was touched for three runs in the first inning as the Bears cruised to a 6-1 victory.

Loveena Chaput's double in the sixth inning drove in Sari-Jane Jenkins for Oregon's only run.

On Sunday, the Ducks scored four runs on five hits in the third inning. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases, then Sari-Jane Jenkins drove in the first with a fielder's choice. Cortney Kivett plated another run with a single to right and with two outs Loveena Chaput pushed Oregon's last two runners across the plate with a double.

With a six run lead, Cook mixed the speed of her pitches well and used her curve to cruise through the Bear lineup. The complete game victory improved her season record to 15-10.

This coming week, UCLA visits Howe Field for one and Washington comes in for three to close out the 2008 conference schedule.

Ducks Host #1 ASU, Defending Champs Arizona

With the game on the line, Cook jammed the next batter into a ground ball to third baseman Joanna Gail, who recorded the force at third to end the game.

After the weekend series, Oregon's record now stands at 1-5 in conference and 26-16 overall.

Conference play continues as Oregon heads to the Bay Area for a game with California on Friday and then Stanford on Saturday and Sunday. Next home action for the Ducks will have Portland State coming to Howe Field on April 30. First pitch is at 4:00 pm.

Beavs Bop Duck 7-4

A late rally from a 7-1 deficit wasn't in the cards for the Ducks as Oregon State held on for a 7-4 victory in the first of this year's Civil War match ups.

The Beavers used the long ball to build that lead. Cambria Miranda went deep with one on base for the visitors and Audrey Rodderfeld went deep for three to pretty much seal the deal.

And it was the long ball brought Oregon back to life in the seventh inning. Pinch hitter Blair Williamson led off the inning by pulling a solid single into right field. One out later Ashley Kivett turned an outside pitch into a two-run dinger over the right field wall and the Ducks were within striking distance.

A walk and a fielder's choice brought the Ducks down to their last out, but also brought Oregon's leading hitter, centerfielder Neena Bryant to the plate. Bryant had just missed a home run by a couple of feet to straightaway center field in a previous at bat and she put another great swing on a pitch, sending it into the gap for a stand-up double, driving in Sari-Jane Jenkins. Loveena Chaput followed with a single to right, but Bryant was held at third base. Joanna Gail was struck out to end the threat.