14th-Ranked Ducks Host Cascade Clash Friday

The Cascade Clash begins a five-weekend stretch where the Ducks will be playing series at Howe Field.

Senior second baseman Suzie Barnes leads Oregon with 28 runs scored, also ranking fourth in the Pac-10. Photo: goducks.com

EUGENE - The 14th-ranked University of Oregon softball team brings its 24-3 record to its home opener at Howe Field this weekend, hosting a doubleheader against Utah State in the first game of the Cascade Clash.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday.

In addition to Utah State, Oregon welcomes Towson (8-4) for Saturday’s doubleheader, and South Dakota State (9-7) to close the tournament on Sunday.

The Cascade Clash begins a five-weekend stretch where the Ducks will be playing series at Howe Field.

Idaho State brings its first-year softball program to Eugene for a doubleheader on Sat., March 24th, followed by a doubleheader with Utah Valley State on Sun., March 25th.

There will then be a quick trip to Portland State (Wed., March 28th) before action in the Pac-10 begins on Fri., March 30th against Cal.

The Ducks have the privilege of playing their first three conference weekends at home, with Cal, Stanford, Oregon State, Washington and UCLA all on the schedule.

Sunday’s scheduled start time for Oregon’s doubleheader with South Dakota State has been moved up from 1:00 PM to 11:00 AM.

With the Oregon men’s basketball team scheduled to play its first round game of the NCAA tournament at 2:00 PM on Friday, Duck softball fans at Howe Field will be provided with game scores and updates throughout Friday’s doubleheader.

In Las Vegas at the Eller Media Stadium Classic, Oregon batted .323 and the pitching staff did its part, holding opponents to a .190 clip.

Junior pitcher Alicia Cook was an undefeated 3-0 at the tournament, improving her winning streak to 13 consecutive decisions.

In three starts, Cook pitched 20.0 innings, allowing just three earned runs. She struck out 16, and walked just three batters.

Senior designated player Ann Marie Topps led Oregon with eight RBIs at the tourney and continues to lead the squad with 29 on the year.

Her .840 slugging percentage is also a team best. She broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the sixth in the tourney’s finale against Longwood, as her 10th home of the season produced the game-winning RBIs and 3-1 victory.

Duck fans can also follow the game with live stats provided on www.goducks.com.

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