Oregon softball gets 9 players on all-Big Ten team

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Nine players on the Oregon softball team were selected for all-Big Ten honors, and Melyssa Lombardi was recognized as the conference’s Coach of the Year on Friday.

Five Ducks were named to the all-Big Ten first-team, two made second-team, three were named to the all-freshman team, and three more were named to the Big Ten all-defensive team.

This is Lombardi’s first COY win and the program’s fifth overall. The Ducks won their sixth conference title in program history this season, the first under Lombardi and in the first season a part of the Big Ten.

Last year, Lombardi led the Ducks to their fourth consecutive NCAA Regional final appearance. Oregon finished 30-21 overall and had their first-ever Gold Glove Award winner, shortstop Sinicki.

Freshman star Rylee McCoy was named to three teams (All-Defensive Team, All-Big Ten First Team, All-Freshman Team) following an outstanding first season with the Ducks. She is joined by junior pitcher Lyndsey Grein as unanimous picks for the all-Big Ten First Team. 

Three seniors, Kai Luschar, Kedre Luschar and Sinicki, round out the five selected for All-Big Ten First Team honors. On the Big Ten’s second team are freshman infielder Kaylynn Jones and junior pitcher Elise Sokolsky.

In addition to their other selections, McCoy, Sinicki, and Luschar were also voted to the All-Defensive Team.

Oregon senior catcher, Abby Mulvey, received the Big Ten Sportsmanship award.

After a loss in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, Oregon awaits their NCAA Regional destination on May 11 during Selection Sunday.