Lauaki earns Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors
EUGENE, Ore. – Heading into the week, Naulivou Lauaki had made just two career starts but that did not stop him from leading Oregon to a series win over No. 19 Nebraska and in turn being named the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week.
In four starts during the week, the redshirt freshman slashed .471/.471/1.176 with a 1.647 OPS, while going 8-for-15 at the plate with six extra-base hits (3 HR, 3 2B), six RBI and five runs scored.
In a midweek start at Portland, Lauaki homered and had two doubles while going 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
In the Nebraska series, he slashed .385/.385/.923 with two home runs, a double, five RBI and three runs scored. In a 7-6 win on Friday, Lauaki drove in a pair of runs with a two-out double in the fourth inning to give Oregon a 2-1 lead. On Saturday, the Ducks’ DH belted a pair of home runs while also delivering a run-scoring single before finishing 3-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored. In Sunday’s series-clinching win he added a hit and run scored.
Lauaki is the fourth Oregon player to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors in the Ducks’ two seasons in the conference. Angel Laya earned the honor twice earlier this season, while Burke-Lee Mabeus claimed the honor last season.
Oregon All-Time Big Ten Freshman of the Week Honors
Naulivou Lauaki Jr. (4/13/26)
Angel Laya (2/16/26; 3/9/26)
Burke-Lee Mabeus (2/24/25)