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Happens in DI ...

Posted by Parent on March 29, 2026, 12:56 pm

I didn't realize this was a rule, but there can be a drop-dead time in college softball ...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/softball/2026/03/28/oregon-northwestern-softball-called-6-innings-timed-game-flight-travel/89373213007/

Re: Happens in DI ...

Posted by @D1 on April 8, 2026, 9:54 am, in reply to "Happens in DI ..."

The real issue is Oregon being in the Big10.

Don't get me started.

Re: Happens in DI ...

Posted by gtq on April 8, 2026, 3:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Happens in DI ..."

I believe both softball and baseball set drop dead time limits on get away days. Most of the time it doesn't become an issue so you don't hear about it much.

The odd thing in this case was that is was a Saturday get away. That has to be looked at in the context that Oregon had actually been on the road for 10 days or so. They played at Purdue the weekend before, played IU the following Monday and then started the NU series that Thursday. That is a long time for college students to be away from campus.

Both sides knew the agreement going into the game. The team that ultimately lost was still trailing by 3 when the game ended.

No doubt adding teams from the west coast to the Big 10 causes logistical issues for sports that get played more often than once a week. Apparently we all need to learn to live with it.

Re: Happens in DI ...

Posted by So sad on April 1, 2026, 1:35 pm, in reply to "Happens in DI ..."

This was infuriating. Plan better …

Re: Happens in DI ...

Posted by They are ..... on April 2, 2026, 5:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Happens in DI ..."

at the mercy of flight times available. Can't imagine there are too many options from Chicago to Eugene on a Sunday night. Both teams agreed upon the duration of game before it started, and no one anticipates a 3-hour game.

Drop-dead times are agreed upon on getaway day for teams that fly every week of the season.... even your non-P4 teams that go South & West in February.

This is also the reality of conference expansion for your non-revenue/mid-revenue sports. Can't risk missing a flight that will cost thousands to re-book or not get the kids home until mid-day Monday (they are student-athletes after all), and obviously they don't charter.

Re: Happens in DI ...

Posted by Rod Munch on April 7, 2026, 11:09 am, in reply to "Re: Happens in DI ..."

This was a Saturday afternoon not Sunday. Kids don't have classes on Sundays so not sure why there would be the need to fly back on Saturday. Oregon did the old stall thing that they learned in 10U - mound visits, pitching changes, pitcher requesting a different ball, etc...

Re: Happens in DI ...

Posted by They are.... on April 7, 2026, 5:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Happens in DI ..."

I do think my point about overall cost still stands ... they're trying to avoid paying for another night in a hotel for 15+ rooms when they can get out of town sooner; paying for a $30/person hotel breakfast and full day of meals on the road/in an airport vs. what comes with their meal plans and nutrition centers on campus.

It seems silly, but even the Big Dogs have budgets to consider, and you can't really put a price on the value of a true day off without cross-country travel involved. That's why they would fly back on a Saturday post-game.

But, the gamesmanship involved is pretty unfortunate. I'd agree with you there - that is frustrating.

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