Oregon Ducks News: Romero homer wins AUSL title, Ducks gear up for August camp

Oregon assistant coach Sydney Joy Romero clubbed a solo home run in the top of the 6th to lead the Talons to a 1-0 victory in the first Athletes United Softball League championship, fighting off a rain delay to sweep the Bandits in the championship series two games to none.

With one out in the top of the inning Romero ripped a 1-1 pitch high and out over the plate deep to left while former Alabama pitcher Montana Fouts hurled a complete game shutout.

Romero told Matt Monagan of mlb.com, "I was just looking for something over the plate and [she threw] a changeup that stayed elevated and it went right for my barrel," Romero said after the game. "I knew it was gone. I was super excited. Emotions kind of just took over and, I don't know, it felt good."

Romero has been on the Oregon staff for three years as an assistant under Melyssa Lombardi, a two-time national champion as both a coach and player at Oklahoma. She helped coach the Ducks to a 54-10 record in 2025, a Big Ten Championship and a trip to the College Softball World Series in Oklahoma City.

Ducks Gold Glove shortstop and Academic All-American Paige Sinicki was also with the Talons, moved to the reserve squad on July 4th. In June she took a spot as a graduate assistant at the University of Utah.

Ducks gear up for the start of August camp

With just 33 days to go until the first game at Autzen Stadium versus FCS runner-up Montana State, Oregon holds their annual media day and begins practice this week.

One exciting development to follow is the emergence of transfer safety Dillon Thieneman as a defensive leader. Thieneman tallied 210 tackles and six interceptions in two seasons at Purdue, a ball hawk and a vicious hitter who will direct traffic and keep a young but talented secondary on the same page.

At Big Ten Media Days Thieneman was chosen along with Matayo Uiagalelei as one of 15 honored players in the conference.

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