Oregon Softball Set To Begin Season Ranked in the Top 10

KPNWSports.us/Justin Phillips

After last year’s successful season and the first Pac-12 Conference Title in their history the Oregon Softball team has been picked to begin the 2014 campaign ranked 8th according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25. The Ducks have made the NCAA Tournament each year of Coach Mike White’s time with the team, the last four seasons. The Ducks return 14 letter winners from last season, but lose All American Pitcher Jessica Moore and Infielder Kaylan Howard. Two key returnees Outfielder Janie Takeda and Catcher Alexa Peterson were both NFCA All Americans from last season. The Ducks return two pitchers and six position starters from 2013.

The poll includes six Pac 12 teams in all. Other Conference opponents in the poll include Washington(3rd), Arizona State(7th), UCLA(16th), Stanford(22nd), and California(24th).

The Ducks are currently preparing to start their season on February 7th in the Kajikawa Classic in Arizona. They will face Cal Poly(11am), and Fresno State 1:30pm). The following Day, Feburary 8th  they take on Appalachian State(2pm) and North Carolina State(4:30pm). Oregon begins Pac-12 Conference play on Saturday March 22nd. The Ducks first game at Howe Field will happen Friday March 28th when they kick off a three game set against Washington.