A Ragin' Victory
Eugene, Oregon- The Oregon Ducks brought out the brooms as it swept the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in a three games series at Howe Field. The team improved its record to 41-5, while flexing its might against one of the top teams in the country. For Coach Mike White and the team, the series showcased the team’s ability to both dominate and squeak out close wins.
Game one was a lop-sided victory with Ducks mercy ruling the Ragin’ Cajuns 8-0 in five innings. The team combined for eight hits, while on the mound Cheridan Hawkins put on a virtuoso performance. She pitched a complete game, no-hitter and added another strong performance to her impressive résumé.
Game two followed the same narrative, as Oregon mercy ruled Louisiana-Lafayette again, 10-2. Hawkins took the mound again and did not disappoint. She pitched another complete game, only allowing two earned runs.
While the first two games were blowouts, game three of the series was a close, competitive battle, and went into extra innings. The Ducks trailed until the seventh inning, when a hit from Nikki Udria caused a fielding error that allowed Danica Mercado to score the tying run.
In extra innings, Oregon once again turned to Hawkins to help the team rally, and she came through. Hawkins shut down the Ragin’ Cajuns, giving the Duck’s bats a chance to win the game. In the eighth inning, the Ducks loaded the bases, and Janelle Lindvall hit a sacrifice fly that drove in the go-ahead run.
Overall, the series served as a good test for the Ducks, as Louisiana-Lafayette came into the series on a nine-game winning streak. Oregon showed why it is amongst the top teams in the country as the Ducks tallied up runs, and played strong defense.
With only six games left in the regular season, the Ducks look to finish the regular season strong, and the team is not letting its focus waver. Coach White said, “We know we can’t let off the accelerator. We need to make sure we play seven innings strong.” Oregon welcomes the Univeristy of California, Berkeley Golden Bears next week at home.
