The Jane was packed on Friday Night as the Oregon Softball kicked off their run in the Eugene Regional against the Idaho State Bengals. Before the game even started, Oregon fans were given shocking news as star pitcher Lyndsey Grein wasn't starting as she deals with an eye infection which left her wearing an eye patch on her left eye.
Idaho State instantly took advantage of the matchup against Taylour Spencer with a leadoff double and a pair of singles which gave the Bengals a 1-0 lead to start the 1st.
After the shaky first inning, The Jane truly came to life at the top of the 3rd when the home plate umpire overturned a strikeout on a pitch clock violation, which allowed Spencer to get fired up when she instantly responded to get the strikeout again.
Much like the Baseball team on Friday Night, the Ducks' offense came to life in the bottom of the 4th inning. Stefini Ma'ake worked a leadoff walk, followed by singles from Kaylynn Jones and Rylee McCoy to load the bases. Ayanna Shaw stepped up and delivered the blow that would determine the game, blasting a grand slam to put the Ducks firmly in the driver's seat.
BOOOOOOOOOM!!!
— Oregon Softball (@OregonSB) May 16, 2026
Ayanna Shaw's second career home run is a grand slam that gives Oregon the lead.
B4 | Oregon 4, Idaho State 1#GoDucks | #Version♾️ pic.twitter.com/q7sUm1jKq1
After the grand slam, Oregon loaded the bases again in the 4th, and of course, it wouldn't be a game for the Ducks if they didn't bring in a run on a sacrifice fly to stretch the lead.
It's what we do. Oregon's school record and NCAA-leading 37th sacrifice fly of the year makes it a four-run game.
— Oregon Softball (@OregonSB) May 16, 2026
E4 | Oregon 5, Idaho State 1#GoDucks | #Version♾️ pic.twitter.com/LueRHdca3M
Elise Sokolsky was incredible in relief, taking over in the 4th inning for Taylour Spencer with a runner on. Sokolsky delivered 3.2 innings without allowing a baserunner, allowing for a stress free second half of the game.
Oregon clinches critical matchup vs Mississippi State on Saturday
The win by the Ducks sets up the pivotal matchup in the winner's portion of the bracket as the Ducks face off against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have a dominant pitching duo in Peja Goold and Alyssa Faircloth, with both helping secure a victory in an extra-innings thriller against Saint Mary's.
For the Ducks, all day tomorrow, fans will be waiting for an update on Lyndsey Grein as she was described as day-to-day. If Grein is able to go against Mississippi State, it'll be a massive boost for the Ducks, and the eye infection may have worked out to Oregon's benefit as the ace of the staff will be fresh for the biggest game of the regional.
The win for the Ducks proved a ton as the pitching stepped up, while the biggest contributions were from the unlikely faces. Elon Butler and Amari Harper had quiet nights at the plate, but it didn't matter as Ayanna Shaw played the role of the hero. Sokolsky and Spencer turning in solid outings will only help bolster their confidence as they'll be needed if the Ducks are going to go on a run to the College World Series.
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