Oregon’s Jenna Lilley talks USA softball, playing OU in WCWS
Jenna Lilley went 1-for-2, was hit by and pitch and walked in Team USA’s 8-2 victory against Canada on Thursday. USA is now 3-0 in the World Cup of Softball XII at Hall of Fame Stadium
Lilley is also a member of the Oregon Ducks and competed in the 2017 Women’s College World Series in June.
The Ducks were eliminated from competition by Oklahoma after four games. Lilley talked about her experiences with Team USA and during the WCWS.
Q: You got on base via hit by pitch, walk and hit today. Do you enjoy games where you’re able to get on base in multiple ways?
A: That’s sort of my M.O. Trying to find a way to get on base whether it be getting hit, or seeing good pitches and not getting myself out, getting little singles here and there. That’s my game plan.
How cool is it to be back on the field for Team USA after being in the WCWS?
It is definitely really special to be back here because this is such an awesome place to play. Where else would you rather play softball than Hall of Fame Stadium. To be wearing (USA) letters makes it even more special.
What made OU such a tough team to beat?
I think they found ways to make things happen. They’re scrappy and I mean that in a great way. They’re a talented team, too. If I remember correctly, they got a runner on via bunt so they kind of found a way to scrape some runs. And they have great pitching.
Can you take solace in losing to the eventual champion?
For sure. They’re a great team. I’m proud of the way we played together that week. We had a rough first game and to play the way we did, especially the next day, and beat Baylor and LSU in one day. I think that was one of the best days we had as a unit. We played hard on Sunday, too, I think we just ran out of gas. But definitely. You say you lose to the eventual national champion, it still sucks because we want to win, but I definitely have a lot of respect for their program.
Can fans expect Oregon back here next year?
I think we have the opportunity to make a great run. We have a very young pitching staff still, two sophomores and a junior. We’ve got another senior class of three. I think it’ll be a good, fun group. We’re gonna have a lot of chips on our shoulders.
What makes Hall of Fame Stadium special to you?
One of my most fond memories of this stadium is when I was 12-14 playing softball. It was a qualifier tournament and my team would always come. We won it in 2009. It holds a special place in my heart because when you’re that young, you’re like, ‘Wow. This is where the College World Series is happening. All these great players play here and you’re playing on the same dirt as them.’ It’s really special. To be able to live that dream here and play on the field that I once envied the players so much that played on it, that part is really special for me. I always remember playing here in middle school. That’s my favorite part. Now I get to play here for college and for the national team. It signifies a lot of dreams coming true for me.