After a well-fought season and a focused appearance in the Eugene Regional, BYU softball left the NCAA Tournament when No. 11 Oregon defeated them 4-1 Saturday.
Oregon entered the game with a 42-14 record, facing the Cougars with advancement to the Super Regional on the line. The Cougars, who ended with a record of 45-15, played with strong pitching but suffered from lack of crucial offensive plays.
“The breaks just didn’t go our way, and when they went Oregon’s way they took advantage,” said Head Coach Gordon Eakin.
The Ducks scored all four of their runs in the fifth inning, bringing in runners after hits from Samantha Pappas and Kaylan Howard. After their respective double and homer, Duck Allie Burger hit a bunt. The follow-up throw came from Katie Manuma, but Stacie Toney at second still could not get Burger out, putting another point on the board for the Ducks.
JC Clayton brought an RBI single at the bottom of the fifth, sending Jessica Dugas in for the final time this season, and marking BYU up one for their last game.
Tori Almond left the mound with eight strike-outs, which kept the Ducks from scoring for the majority of the game. Her performance placed her on the Eugene Regional All-Tournament Team.
BYU’s appearance at the tournament was their ninth in a row, and their NCAA Tournament record totals 13-16 under Eakin. The Cougars closed the season at 45-15, placing them just below the 2010 record at BYU of 46 wins.
