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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Trump, Sanders victorious in New Hampshire primaries ... Man jailed after allegedly groping jogger on Bear Creek Greenway ... Oregon man who killed officer had long criminal record ... Trump, Sanders victorious in New Hampshire primaries ... Man jailed after allegedly groping jogger on Bear Creek Greenway ... Oregon man who killed officer had long criminal record ... COLLEGE SOFTBALL Hovinga stars on mound as Ducks advance Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 17, 2015 at 2:00 AM Posted May. 17, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Social News EUGENE — Recent history shows that, come the postseason, Oregon softball coach Mike White is prone to starting his No. 1 pitcher every time out. Thus, when Karissa Hovinga rather than ace Cheridan Hawkins got the ball for Saturday's potential NCAA Eugene Regional clincher, the significance wasn't lost on Hovinga. Here she was, when Oregon faced North Dakota State, with one more chance — perhaps only one more chance — to pitch at Howe Field. "I just wanted to leave with a good memory," said Hovinga, a senior, "potentially the last time I'll be out there." Mission, accomplished. The Ducks could afford to lose Saturday afternoon, given that they were 2-0 in the regional's double-elimination format. But Hovinga didn't let it come down to a rematch later in the day. Hovinga threw six-plus innings of two-hit softball while allowing only one unearned run in a 6-1 victory that propelled Oregon into next week's Super Regionals. "I think that's one of the best games I've seen her throw in her career," said White, now 18-0 in regionals as UO coach. "At a huge moment for us, a huge time." Hovinga faced the minimum through five innings, and got a strikeout to escape a bases-loaded jam in the sixth. Her error on a comebacker allowed the leadoff hitter in the seventh to reach, and though she was pulled after allowing an RBI single, Hawkins came on to slam the door and preserve the win for Hovinga (11-1). Saturday's start was the 62nd of Hovinga's career, among 114 career appearances. She improved to 44-6 overall, with a 2.38 ERA, and if that was her final appearance at Howe Field, it will be a cherished memory. "It felt really good to have a good result," she said, before quickly adding: "But I'll also be ready next weekend, of course." Hovinga was supported by Oregon's typically balanced offense, as the Ducks (49-6) scored in four innings thanks to hits by seven of nine starters. Hailey Decker's two-run homer got things started in the first, and Janelle Lindvall singled in the third to score Janie Takeda, who later hit a solo homer. About the only spot where the Ducks hadn't received production this weekend was the No. 8 hole. That was filled Saturday by Lauren LIndvall, who watched the Bison walk No. 7 hitter Koral Costa three times to get to her. Lindvall made them pay after the second walk to Costa, lining a two-run double off the wall. "They're just loaded all the way through the lineup," said NDSU coach Darren Mueller, who called Oregon the best team in the country. "… One through nine, anybody could get a hit at any time." Lindvall's double made it 5-0 in the top of the fifth — the Ducks were designated the visiting team Saturday — and Hovinga responded with her fifth straight 1-2-3 inning, the second in which a double play erased a baserunner. MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 17, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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