The Arizona softball team suffered its 13th consecutive conference loss Sunday afternoon, and it might have been the most heartbreaking defeat yet.
The Wildcats squandered a four-run lead in a 7-4 setback vs. No. 17 Oregon at Jane Sanders Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Arizona held a 4-0 lead entering the bottom of the fourth inning, including a solo home run by Devyn Netz, who also started in the circle. Netz allowed a three-run homer to Ariel Carlson in the bottom of the fourth, making it 4-3, and thatβs where the score stood entering the bottom of the sixth.
UA coach Caitlin Lowe called on Ali Blanchard to pitch, and the Ducks put runners on second and third via a single, a walk and a sacrifice bunt. Lowe elected to walk Carlson to load the bases. Blanchard hit the next batter, Kedre Luschar, to push across the tying run. Pinch hitter Karissa Ornelas then ripped a double into the right-field corner to clear the bases and put the Ducks up 7-4.
Arizonaβs league losing streak is believed to be the longest in school history. The Wildcats (25-21, 3-15 Pac-12) last won a conference game March 18 vs. Utah. They finish the regular season with home series vs. Oregon State and Cal.
Oregon (31-11, 11-7) has won nine in a row.
Arizona Softball coach Caitlin Lowe discusses what she wants to see over the next few weeks from her team as they not only try to put an end to a 10-game Pac-12 losing streak, but also get on track to make a run toward the postseason. Lowe spoke to local media April 18, 2023 at Mike Candrea Field at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium. Video by Devin Homer/Special to the Arizona Daily Star
