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The Signal is Strong: Pro Softball Arrives in Oregon!Now that I’ve settled into the FishDuck forums, I have to talk about the massive shift in the softball landscape. For those of us who have spent years watching the Ducks, the "professional ceiling" always felt a little far away. Not anymore. The Big News: The Portland CascadeAs some of you may have seen, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) officially announced the Portland Cascade as Oregon's newest professional team! They’ll be playing their home games right up at Hillsboro Ballpark starting this June. For a guy like me who spent years at the OSP dispatch center, I love seeing a local "unit" finally get a home base. No more touring models—we have a team to call our own. The Duck Connection: Paige Sinicki Goes ProThe best part? Our very own Paige Sinicki has officially landed a spot on the Cascade roster! Watching her win the Gold Glove at Oregon was a treat, and seeing her stay in-state to play professionally is a huge win for the program. She’s joined by former UW star Sis Bates, so the middle of that infield is going to be a defensive masterclass. It’s a great example of the "Oregon-to-Pro" pipeline that Coach Lombardi is building. Tracking "Version Eight" (2026 Season)Back in Eugene, Coach Lombardi is in her 8th season, and the data on this squad is fascinating. She’s calling this group "Version Eight," and from my vantage point in the Arizona desert, the hardware looks solid: The Rotation: We returned nearly the entire staff from last year’s WCWS run. Lyndsey Grein and Elise Sokolsky are our veteran "operators." They have the experience to handle the high-stress calls. The Sophomore Class: I’m keeping a close eye on the "Young Guns"—Rylee McCoy, Kaylynn Jones, and Stefani Ma'ake. They were massive as freshmen, and if they avoid the "sophomore slump" bug, this lineup will be lethal. The New Shortstop: With Sinicki moving on to the pros, I’m watching Addison Amaral (the Notre Dame transfer) very closely. Filling Sinicki’s shoes is a tall order, but Amaral has the range to make it happen. The Big Ten schedule is going to be a gauntlet, but the "fancies" (stats) suggest this team is built for a deep June run. I’ll be monitoring the box scores and sharing my analysis as the season heats up. Go Ducks!

Version Eight: My Thoughts on Coach Lombardi’s 8th SeasonNow that I’ve introduced myself, I want to dive into what I’m seeing on the diamond. As I mentioned, I’m a bit of a geek for the data, and Coach Melyssa Lombardi’s 8th season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing "builds" we’ve seen in Eugene. Last year’s "Version Seven" was a breakthrough, taking us back to the Women’s College World Series and proving we could compete at the highest level in the Big Ten. But as Lombardi says, every year is a "start from scratch" project. The "Frequencies" I’m Monitoring:The Power in the Circle: We returned nearly our entire pitching staff from last year’s WCWS run. Having Lyndsey Grein and Elise Sokolsky back is like having two veteran dispatchers on the desk—they know how to handle the pressure. Grein is a workhorse, and I’m watching to see if our bullpen depth can help keep her fresh for June. The Sophomore Surge: I’ve been crunching the numbers on our "Young Guns"—Rylee McCoy, Kaylynn Jones, and Stefani Ma'ake. They were massive as freshmen, but the "sophomore slump" is a real bug in the system. So far, McCoy’s power at first base looks like it’s only getting better. The New Connections: Replacing the speed of the Luschar sisters and the glove of Paige Sinicki at short was a tall order. I’m keeping a close eye on the transfers, specifically Addison Amaral (Notre Dame) at shortstop. She’s got big shoes to fill, but the data from her time in South Bend suggests she’s up to the task. Early Season Sit-RepWe’ve had an up-and-down start with some tough losses in the early tournaments (that game against Auburn was a glitch in the system!), but we’ve also knocked off some top-25 teams like Duke and Liberty. To me, that shows the "Version Eight" hardware is capable; we just need to optimize the software before conference play heats up. I’ll be posting regular updates as we move toward the home opener at Jane Sanders Stadium. I’d love to hear from any of you who are attending games in person—give me the "eye test" to go along with my stats! Go Ducks!

From the OSP Dispatch Desk to the Sonora Desert: A Duck Fan’s LogHello FishDuck community! oregonjoneses checking in from the heat of Florence, Arizona. At 76 years young, I’m a bit of a desert-dwelling geek. After 25 years in Oregon—including 12 years working the consoles at the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center—I’ve traded the rainy Willamette Valley for the cacti of the Sonora. While my professional life was spent navigating the frequencies and logistics of the OSP, my heart remains firmly in Eugene. The Origin StoryMy "fandom firmware" was first installed back in the 7th grade at Waldo Junior High in Salem. My basketball coach, Mr. Dickey, hard-wired my loyalty by organizing a three-day trek to Mac Court for the Oregon High School Championships. Seeing that magic on the sunken floors as a kid changed my life. Since then, my wife and I made it an annual tradition to attend the Spring Football games. We would always make a weekend of it, staying up at Belknap Hot Springs to soak and enjoy the river before heading into Autzen. Those are memories I carry with me even in the Arizona heat. Current Project: Softball Stats & InsightsWhile I love my Football and Baseball (I’m a regular at PK Park when I can get there), my primary focus right now is on the diamond. We are heading into Coach Lombardi’s 8th season leading the Women’s Softball team. Just like my days at the dispatch center, I like to keep a close eye on all the moving parts. I’m currently processing the data and getting ready to share regular updates and information on the squad. I truly believe this 8th season is going to be something special. I may be living in the desert now, but my blood still runs green and yellow. I’m looking forward to connecting with you all! Go Ducks!

He also hasn't had a single season where he hasn't had major injuries to key players. The team is cursed when it comes to injuries to their best players.

Great perspective. It's important to understand everything that goes into a free fall. Altman led you guys to a Final Four in 2017. He's faced the most turbulent time in college sports, with NIL, transfer portal, and moving to a whole new conference.

I think our roster got down to 8 healthy players this year. Nobody wins in the BIG with 8 players. I am not adverse to change, but any decision should include a discussion with coaches, players, and key boosters, to determine if a change of direction is wanted, or needed.

If Nebraska, a program that has never won a game in the NCAA tournament can get their act together. Oregon can do it with the right coach. I'm not saying Altman should be fired, but sometimes stagnation can happen.

And, style of play adjustments. Need big bodies and bangers when you play Big Ten basketball.

Ray of Sunshine... NIL management is needed

The former PAC-12 schools just finished their second year in their respective conferences, ACC, B1G 10 and BIG 12. Based on conference games only during the last two years, here are the results. Only the Bruins had a respectable record. Bruins 26-14 Ducks 17-23 Trojans 14-26 Huskies 11-29 BIG 12 Just like in the PAC -12 , the Arizona Wildcats have thrived in their new conference. Wildcats 30-8 Sun Devils 11-27 Buffaloes 10-28 Utes 10-28 ACC Cardinal 20-18 Bears 15-23 Besides this forgetful season (5-15) Oregon posted identical conference records the past three years. 2022-2023 12-8 (PAC 12) 2023-2024 12-8 (PAC 12) 2024 -2025 12-8 (B1G 10)

The Dyke is Breaking - Sonny's On Board - https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/sonny-dykes-cfp-expansion-24-team-playoff-fcs-model

Level playing field is relative of course. Definitely levels out to be a top-12 or so, instead of a top-3. That being said, beyond the top-20-25 there is a chasm that will get worse without some changes. It doesn’t bode well for most when our OBD are able to take a starting QB from a fellow P2 league member and stash him on the bench.

OREGON ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026 BASEBALL | @OregonBaseball Ducks Clinch Series Behind Potent Offensive Attack WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Angel Laya, Drew Smith and Dominic Hellman combined for 11 hits and nine RBI to lead Oregon to a 15-4 series-clinching win over Purdue at Alexander Field on Sunday. Laya, a true freshman, belted a pair of home runs for the second time this season while going 4-for-5 with four RBI and four runs scored. Smith and Hellman also homered with Smith reaching base five times (4-for-4, BB), scoring four times and driving in a pair of runs. Hellman went 3-for-5 with a double, three RBI, two runs scored and a walk, finishing a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. Cal Scolari (3-0) picked up the win while finishing with eight strikeouts in five innings of work. How It Happened: After not scoring until the eighth inning on Saturday, Oregon got on the board early on Sunday, scoring in the top of the second. Jack Brooks, who had a pair of RBI on Friday, delivered a two-out RBI base hit to score Maddox Molony for a 1-0 lead. Oregon (12-3, 2-1 B1G) tacked on four runs in the top of the third behind four hits that included a double and a home run. Jax Gimenez led off the inning with a hard-hit single to left before coming around to score from first on a Hellman double inside the third-base bag. Smith added to the lead with a two-out base hit in the third to score Hellman from third. Laya followed with a two-run homer into the Ducks’ bullpen beyond the right-field fence. Purdue (9-5, 1-2 B1G) answered with four runs in its half of the inning. After one out free passes on a walk and hit-by-pitch, Aaron Manias fisted one over Smith’s head at third for the Boilermakers first run. Sam Flores followed with an inside-the-park home run scoring three. Flores was able to come all the way around to score after Brooks slammed into the wall hard and stayed on the ground while the runners circled the bags. Angel Laya Oregon came back and added to the lead in the fourth, scoring two more. Back-to-back walks to Brooks and Ryan Cooney set up Hellman for another big at bat. The Ducks designated hitter laced a ball into right-center field to score Brooks. Gabe Miranda followed with a base hit up the middle to plate Cooney for a 7-4 lead. Oregon pushed the lead to five in the top of the fifth. Laya homered again driving in Smith who led off the inning with a base hit. Oregon added three more in the top of the sixth. Hellman and Smith both hit solo home runs to left field, before Burke-Lee Mabeus doubled, scoring Laya from first. Back-to-back singles to open the eighth by Smith and Laya set the table for another three-run inning. Elijah Cook, who entered the game as a pinch runner in the fifth, singled through the right side to score Smith and move Laya to third. Ryan Cooney then doubled into the left-field corner plating Laya and Cook for Oregon’s final runs. Box Score Notes: Oregon moved to 3-0 in weekend series wins this season and now has won 10 consecutive series dating back to April 4-6, 2025 … The Ducks finished with 20 hits, the most since they had 21 on March 6, 2024, vs. Grand Canyon … Oregon homered four times in a game for the third time this season … Laya’s two homers marked the second time this season he has hit a pair of home runs in a game … Hellman extended his reached base streak to 15 with a first inning base on balls, while Smith extended his streak to 15 with a second-inning walk. On Deck: Oregon opens a two-game series against Xavier on Tuesday. First pitch is at 3:05 p.m PST.

That's what I thought. 4 plus 2. I left the room to pee, and missed the T's. So happy they pulled it out after blowing that lead!

Relationship goes back to 2017 Drew Mehringer reflects on what he took from his time working alongside Will Stein at Oregon

Way late to the plate. Here's my take... NIL has taken away talent stacking. No more Blue Blood dominance. It's parity ala NFL style. Twenty-four teams gets rid of the pretenders over two weeks. But we would see some March Madness because some teams will be hot in November and carry that into the playoffs. All it would take is Ohio State losing to an Iowa type team they didn't play in the regular season and viola! Everyone is happy. Darth Vader gets vanquished and Cinderella gives everyone reason to watch Ohio State's bracket. Not to mention, there were plenty of teams equal in talent in that next 12. Fewer players sit out, nine wins would be everyone's target. And we saw a middling 2 loss team take out three one loss "pretenders". Here's what I see: The first round would be relatively competitive, and the second round would feature blow outs. As far as the blowout argument-most of the playoff games have been blowouts. Very few dramatic games mirrored last year's thrillers. Are we ever going to have a stacked Ohio State circa 2024 again? I have my doubts. The playing field is a lot more level. My opinion of course.

Beavers go to Reser’s for a clam dip patch.

It is amazing how a pitcher can just "not-be-on" with a given day. Purdue went through nine pitchers today, as their starter was off his control, and their really good first reliever was having an off-day as well. So..it happens to other teams too!

Ducks win 15-4 on the run-rule after eight innings. Drew Smith beats an infield dribble to first base, and Angel Laya hits to the vacated hole in the opposite field shift. Burke-Lee Mabeus sac-flies to move Smith to third. Elijah Cook comes in to get a hit through the left infield and scores Smith. Ryan Cooney then hits to the left field corner to score two! Miles Gosztola pitched an out, and a walk before Devin Bell came in and finished the inning generating a double play. Run-Rule!

12-4 Ducks after seven innings. Luke Morgan came in to pitch an out, and was replaced by Miles Gosztola, who finished the side. When you're up eight...it is good to get some pitchers some work in this weekend, and allow those relievers who melted down last weekend the chance to get their confidence back.

Thanks, NJ. A few suggestions: Arizona - Jose Cuerzo Gold ASU - Carrier Air Conditioning Alabama - Aflac Auburn - Charmin Soft TP Baylor - Chip and Joanna's Fixer-Upper Boston College - Legal Seafoods/ Bush Boston Baked Beans BYU - Mission Foods CAL - Shake 'N Bake Cincinnati - Red Hots Clemson - H&S Transfer Company Colorado - Ralphie's Pizza Duke - Devil's Lightning Hot Sauce Florida - SwampBuggy Georgia Tech - Rent A Wreck Illinois - Bret's Chips Indiana - Phillip Morris Cigarettes Iowa State - Campbell's Soup Kansas - Toto Toilets Kentucky - Stein Mart LSU - Oxford O4OR Tail Bag Maryland - Turtlebox Speakers Miami - Temu CrystalBalls Michigan - Moore Enterprises Minnesota - Gopher Hawk Missouri - ShowMe Educational Systems Nebraska - Walmart Durable Corn Schukers North Carolina - Girls Clothing at Janie & Jack Northwestern - Hazing Prevention Network Notre Dame - Independence Pet Holdings Ohio State - Buckeye Partners Oklahoma State - Gundy Enterprises Limited Oregon State - New World Enterprises Inc. Cleaning Company Oregon - Duckhorn Vineyards/ Qwackers Crackers Enough! I'm off to (perhaps) Get a Life - 😁

12-4 Ducks after six innings, as Dominic Hellman blasted a homer into the Purdue Bullpen...and then Drew Smith cratered one over the Boilermaker Bullpen in left field! Angel Laya singles past the SS, and then Burke-Lee Mabeus zips one to the RF corner for a double and scores Laya from first with his jets. Whew! Michael Meckna came in to relieve Cal Scolari, and he creates fly-balls and grounders for three easy outs.

9-4 Ducks after five innings. Drew Smith knocks one up the middle for a hit, and was later advanced to second on a pitch-clock violation. The freshman phenom Angel Laya comes up and hits a two-run home run over the RF wall again! Cal Scolari left them scoreless, as his fastball is a little off today, but his drop-curve has been super. He has 82 pitches after five innings...so I don't know if we will see him in the sixth.

7-4 Ducks after four innings. Jack Brooks walked, as did Ryan Cooney. Then Dominic Hellman nails a short RF shot to score Brooks from second. Gabe Miranda slips one through the infield to score Brooks. Cal Scolari gives up two straight hits, and with no outs...this looked ominous. But he hunkered down and struck out three-straight-batters!

5-4 Ducks after three innings. Jax Gimenez got it started with a hit to short-RF, and then Dominic Hellman hit a screamer-double just inside the left field line to score the speedy Gimenez from first base! Hellman advanced to third base on a sac-fly to move him, and the Drew Smith zings a hit to shallow RF to score Hellman. The incredible freshman, Angel Laya then blows things open with a homer over the RF wall to score two! Unfortunately, Cal Scolari lost some control this inning. He walked and plinked a batter, who then scored later on a bloop single. Another hit went to the wall, and Jack Brooks hit the wall hard trying to catch it, and was dazzled...and collapsed. Thus an in-the-park homer scored three. We have a game.