TEMPE, Ariz. - The No. 5/6 team in the nation was too much for Western Michigan softball as the Broncos dropped an 8-0 decision in five innings to Oregon to open the 2013 season at the Kajikawa Classic.

The Ducks scored their runs in chunks with a pair in the second and fourth innings, and breaking the game open with four runs in the bottom of the third frame.  Oregon used a pair of doubles in the third inning to spark the four-run rally and capped off the scoring with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth.

Offensively for WMU, Elisha Handshoe collected the first hit of the season for the Broncos in the top of the third, their best offensive chance of the game.  Handshoe followed a lead off walk by Colleen Lynch.  Melissa Palmer collected her first collegiate hit with an infield single but Lynch was thrown out at first on the play.  Christina Pigozzi, starting the first game of he career at catcher, and Sabrina Gamboa followed with a ground out and strikeout, respectively.  Gamboa started her first collegiate game in her career debut, starting at shortstop.

Also registering their first collegiate start in their debut were Palmer, in right field, and Caity Pixley, in left field.  Marleen Rodriguez made her debut, coming into the game behind the plate in the bottom of the third.

Becca Shemberger earned the season-opening start and suffered the loss.  Mackenzie Shepeck, who also collected a base hit for WMU, worked two innings in the circle as well.

Western Michigan continues at the Kajikawa Classic at 12:30 p.m. MT when it takes on Cal Poly and follow with a showdown against Kentucky at 5:30 p.m. MT on Friday.