- Dezianna Patmon delivers second consecutive walk-off hit
- Kai Luschar records 3 hits and critical RBI triple
- Oregon needs one win to clinch WCWS berth
In a heart-stopping NCAA Super Regional opener, the Oregon Ducks edged Liberty 3-2 in eight innings behind Dezianna Patmon's clutch performance. The sophomore infielder replicated her regional heroics, driving in Kendre Luschar with a bases-loaded single to right field. Friday's victory marks Oregon's 14th consecutive home win and sets up a potential series-clinching game Saturday afternoon.
Kai Luschar fueled Oregon's offense early, launching an RBI triple in the third inning before scoring on Stefini Ma'ake's single. The Ducks' bullpen proved decisive, with reliever Staci Chambers escaping a seventh-inning jam by inducing a double play. Liberty's Elena Escobar battled through 127 pitches, but three fielding errors ultimately cost the Flames.
Industry analysts note walk-off victories have increased 27% in NCAA postseason play since 2021, reflecting tighter parity in collegiate softball. The Pac-12 Conference now boasts six consecutive Super Regional hosts, with Oregon emerging as the West Coast's dominant program. Regional attendance records at Jane Sanders Stadium highlight growing Pacific Northwest enthusiasm for collegiate athletics.
Liberty's KK Madrey and Paige Doerr combined for three hits and two RBIs, nearly spoiling Oregon's perfect home postseason record. The Flames' sixth-inning rally showcased their resilience, with Alexia Carrasquillo fouling off four pitches before delivering the game-tying single. Oregon's defensive adjustments in extra innings proved crucial, including a perfectly executed relay throw that gunned down a potential go-ahead run at home plate.
With Saturday's matchup looming, Oregon seeks its first WCWS appearance since 2019. The Ducks' 38-3 home record demonstrates the tangible benefits of regional fan support, while Liberty aims to become just the fourth unseeded team to reach Oklahoma City this decade. ESPN's broadcast metrics reveal Super Regional viewership has surged 41% among West Coast demographics since 2022.