EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon is set to host an NCAA Regional for the second year in a row. The Ducks, ranked No. 14 overall, will compete against Idaho State, Saint Mary’s, and Mississippi State this weekend at Jane Sanders Stadium.
The tournament kicks off Friday at 4:30 p.m. PT when Mississippi State faces Saint Mary’s, followed by Oregon’s game against Idaho State at 7 p.m. PT on ESPNU. On Saturday, the competition will narrow down to two teams, leading to the final on Sunday.
Oregon earned this opportunity after a strong season, finishing with a 40-12 record and tying for second in the Big Ten Conference at 20-4. They achieved an impressive ranking, with a final RPI of nine and a top-notch schedule.
This marks the Ducks’ sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament under coach Melyssa Lombardi and their 26th appearance overall. Last season, the Ducks made it to the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2018, which has generated excitement among fans and players alike.
Earlier this season, Oregon faced Idaho State at the Oregon Classic and won in a thrilling 4-3 game, thanks to Elon Butler’s clutch performance. Butler had a standout game, going 3-for-4, while the Ducks lead the all-time series against the Bengals 10-1.
Oregon has historically done well against Saint Mary’s, leading the series 22-4. Their past encounters have often resulted in decisive victories for the Ducks, including a 4-0 win in 2020. Similarly, Oregon has a 2-0 edge against Mississippi State, having won their last matchup 7-2.
In recent years, women’s college softball has seen increased popularity. According to a 2022 survey by the NCAA, women’s sports viewership has grown by 50%, capturing the attention of more fans. This trend reflects a broader societal shift toward supporting women in sports.
The community is buzzing with excitement as tickets for the Eugene Regional go on sale to the public on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Fans are eager to cheer on the Ducks as they pursue another strong showing in the playoffs.
Here’s the schedule for the weekend:
Friday, May 15
- Game 1: Mississippi State vs. Saint Mary’s, 4:30 p.m. PT (ESPN+)
- Game 2: Oregon vs. Idaho State, 7 p.m. PT (ESPNU)
Saturday, May 16
- Game 3: Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner, 2:00 p.m. PT
- Game 4: Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser, 4:30 p.m. PT
- Game 5: Game 4 Winner vs. Game 3 Loser, 7:00 p.m. PT
Sunday, May 17
- Game 6: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 5 Winner, 4:30 p.m. PT
- Game 7: Game 6 Winner vs. Game 6 Loser (if necessary), 7:00 p.m. PT
For more information on tickets, visit the official Ducks ticket site here.
