Photoessay #2052 - Ducks advance to Super-regionals

I can't help it; I still have to follow Oregon Duck softball. Even though I haven't been down to Eugene to attend a game at Howe Field for two seasons and it's been five seasons since my daughter has been an active player. But I still follow them.  LIke most school-based athletic programs, everything turns over.  Different players, the 2007 season is ancient history to the current players.  Different coaches though the new head coach Mike White was an assistant coach during Susanna's freshman year so we do know him.

Ducks have had a very good winning season this year (and the past two with Michael White as coach).  Usually, they were sent to who knows where for Regionals because of the paucity of west coast programs, hosting requirements.  The only regional I attended (2007) was in Columbia, South Carolina.  But, this year, the Ducks were seeded high enough and had improved their facilities and they got to host!  Teams sent to Eugene: BYU, Portland State, Mississippi State. All duck fan knows that Portland State can be tough, they bring their best game when they play the Oregon Ducks.  BYU always an excellent team and Mississippi State is from the SEC.  Because BYU is involved, the Regional started a day early.

But the Ducks won three straight and will advance.  Yay!

I looked at the UO site, noticed they had a new section on Howe Field, the venue you love to hate.  It's got atmosphere, for sure.  They had a photo gallery.  I love examining pictures, figuring out when they were taken.  I was the one who identified the little picture that Washington had on their site showed Jenn Salling playing shortstop for UO.  Those, back in the day, remember that Jenn's 'transfer' from Oregon to Washington was controversial.  Anyway, I got it if nobody else did.

So I look at the 5 pictures.  Hey, does that kid look familiar.  Yup, my very own daughter playing center field.  Which means 2004 or 2005.  Because she's wearing shorts, I would guess 2004.  Playing Arizona???  From the cherry red jerseys.  That's not Jo Gail at third but she didn't really play until 2006, inconclusive.  Could be Ani Nyhus in the circle.

Wow, Cal loses winner bracket game to Arkansas.  #1 seed of the entire tournament and in all the rankings.  Huge upset.