The Highlanders capped a remarkable season by clinching the Midwestern League title, ending an 11‑year championship drought with an 8‑3 win over their rivals at Eagle Point on May 19.
Coach Kenny Niles, who has guided the program for several seasons, described the victory as a watershed moment for the team and the broader Eugene community, emphasizing how the title reflects months of collective effort.
Junior center fielder Duncan Roudabush, a key offensive contributor, spoke about the offseason work and the senior‑driven culture that helped the squad turn a rocky start into a winning streak.
Senior right‑hander Michael Buschelman delivered a standout performance earlier in the month, tossing a six‑inning perfect game on May 15 that featured 12 strikeouts and just 75 pitches.
The team’s resurgence follows a challenging stretch that included a loss to Crater and a tough series against Thurston, after which they rallied to win 16 of their final 17 contests.
Looking ahead
With the regular season now complete, analysts project the Highlanders as the No. 3 seed in the upcoming Class 5A state playoffs, a placement that could set up a rematch with traditional powerhouses.
Coach Niles urged his players to take a brief respite before the postseason, allowing them to recharge while maintaining the momentum built throughout the year.