It has been no secret that the Oregon softball team has been a contender for an NCAA title all season long. From winning their first-ever Pac-12 title to making the postseason for the fourth-straight year with a 9-0 regional record under coach Mike White, the Ducks have arguably never been better.

With their dominant hitting — four players batting more than .400 prior to postseason play — to their unmatched one-two punch in Jessica Moore (Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year) and Cheridan Hawkins (Pac-12 All-Freshman team) who both hold an ERA below 2.00, the Ducks without a doubt have all the key components of a great team.

Despite their recent decrease in production on the offensive side, the Ducks have kept themselves in the game with excellent defense. During their three-game skid in the Eugene Regional, they allowed a combined two runs, both coming in the opening game against the BYU Cougars.

Dominant pitching and defense have separated the Ducks from every opponent they have played in the postseason thus far and should continue to keep them in games moving forward. If the Ducks can manage to bring in a few more runs and in-field hits, there is no telling where they will be at the conclusion of the Super Regionals and potentially the Women’s College World Series.

In addition to great defensive production, the Ducks have also had their home crowd backing them up since day one of regionals. Of course, Howe Field was to be considered a neutral field for all four teams competing, but in reality, the Ducks have essentially been playing at home these past three postseason games. Moving forward, the Ducks will once again have this luxury of a home-field crowd as they get prepared for the Super Regionals, which will be held at Howe Field.

Have we mentioned that the Ducks held a 19-0 record at home this year during the regular season?

But in order for the Ducks to be at full strength, their batting will have to go from sporadic to consistent in-field hits throughout the course of the game. The Ducks have deserved to win all three games in the postseason, but with the majority of their scoring coming in one inning, or at times in a package of two, they have limited themselves from reaching their full potential. The Ducks will be facing some of the top-tier teams from here on out, and if they can manage to bat like they did during the regular season, they can contend with any team in the nation.

It has been one of the most, if not the most memorable season in Oregon softball history, and there is still so much left to be done. Oregon softball has never seen such a tight-knit group of players and coaches who all have the required experience to go all the way. Softball has become a soft-spoken powerhouse here at the University of Oregon. They won’t be satisfied without the trophy.