Oregon Softball in NCAA Tournament: 'Homecoming' For Coach Lombardi

The Oregon Ducks are headed to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance under coach Melyssa Lombardi. Oregon will compete in Norman, Oklahoma, the former home of Lombardi.

Olivia Cleary | May 15, 2024

Oregon head coach Melyssa Lombardi talks with pitcher Stevie Hansen as the Oregon Ducks fell to UCLA / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

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EUGENE - The University of Oregon’s Softball program is heading to Norman, Oklahoma for the Norman regional in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The regional is hosted by Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi’s former program, Oklahoma.

Before becoming Oregon’s head coach, Lombardi was a coach for the Sooners for 21 seasons. She first had a role as an assistant coach and later was promoted to associate head coach. While at Oklahoma, Lombardi helped lead the Sooners to four national championships and 15 combined Big 12 regular season and conference tournament titles.

Oregon softball coach Melyssa Lombardi watches the game against Oregon State at Jane Sanders Stadium / Chris Pietsch/The Register Guard / USA

“We’re looking forward to it. I’m excited to get back to Norman. I’m excited to take our team out there and go compete.”
- Melyssa Lombardi

The Ducks will first face Boston University. This will be the first time the Ducks are playing the Terriers. Boston went 52-4-1 and won both the Patriot League’s regular season and tournament titles. The Terriers also have a 38-game unbeaten streak, the best in the NCAA.

“We’re caught up in our first opponent which is Boston University and I think that’s the biggest thing for us right now.”
- Melyssa Lombardi

Oregon players celebrate their victory over Oregon State with fans at Jane Sanders Stadium Sunday, / Chris Pietsch/The Register Guard / USA

Boston has a strong offense and has displayed aggressiveness at the plate all season. Lauren Keleher currently leads the team in batting average (.407), on-base percentage (.493), slugging percentage (.649), hits (79), and runs scored (52).

Kayla Roncin is also a player contributing to Boston’s success. She was recently awarded the Patriot League Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.

“They’re coached really, really well. They know how to win. They’ve always pitched well. They’re a very complete team.”
- Melyssa Lombardi

Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi, left, congratulates pitcher Stevie Hansen, center, and catcher Emma / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA

This is the Ducks' fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance in the Lombardi era and their 24th NCAA appearance in program history. Oregon is 28-19 overall and tied for third in the Pac-12 at 13-10.

“We’re excited to get to the tournament,” said Lombardi. “It never gets old. It’s the best feeling in the world to hear them say ‘Oregon’ … We’ve played tough competition all year. We’re in a great place and we can’t wait to get started.”
- Melyssa Lombardi

Published May 15, 2024

OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.