Oregon Softball: Ducks a Top Ranked Team with a New Look and Challenging Schedule

KPNWSports.us/Justin Phillips

The Oregon Softball team looks to start 2013 on a winning note and from the looks of it, they should be off to a good start. This Week, Nike and the Ducks Unveiled a Radical New Uniform and Equipment Design.  The new look for the team was unveiled by the Seniors to the surprise of the underclassmen.

KVAL TV in Eugene was there to provide the story along with photos.

Some of the look is similar to Oregon Duck Football, including a sleek Ducks logo and helmets. Oregon Softball is also starting the season ranked pretty high among Pac 12 schools and Nationally.

In the Pac 12 Conference Coaches Poll that was recently released Oregon received it’s highest vote ever at Third Place. There are nine other teams in the Pac 12 that play Softball. Washington(4th), Arizona(5th), Stanford(6th), UCLA(7th), Oregon State(8th), and rounding things out Utah(9th). Ahead of the Ducks in the poll are California(1st) and Arizona State(2nd).

According to GoDucks.com,

In recent weeks, UO ranked fifth and sixth nationally in the NFCA and USA Softball preseason national polls – its all-time preseason high in each.

Six other Pac-12 teams stood top 20 (with their NFCA/USA SB pollings in (): California (3/3), Arizona State (4/4), Arizona (13/14), Washington (16/16), UCLA (19/19) and Stanford (21/20). Last year, the Ducks were one of five Pac-12 teams that advanced to Super Regionals with the Huskies and Wildcats. The Beavers and Cardinal were NCAA Regional finalists, and an eighth team (UCLA) also advanced to the 64-team field.

This week, Oregon kicks off its 2013 Pac-12 season vs. Western Michigan on Thursday, February 7 in the Kajiikawa Classic. The Ducks Home Opener is March 13th vs New Mexico(Doubleheader). Tickets are available at GoDucks.com

Justin Phillips is Sports Reporter for Newsradio 1120 KPNW in Eugene, Oregon