Lyndsey Grein finally revealed why she was missing from the circle during Oregon's NCAA softball regional — and it turned out to be far more serious than anyone realized at the time.
Videos by FanBuzz
The Ducks ace announced Monday that what initially appeared to be an eye infection quickly became a medical emergency that doctors said could have cost her both her vision and her life.
"Upon returning from the BIG 10 tournament, I noticed swelling in my left eye," Grein wrote on Instagram. "After some time on antibiotics and worsening symptoms, my roommates made the decision to take me to the hospital. According to my doctors, that decision saved not only my sight, but my life."
Grein said she was admitted to a hospital in Eugene on May 10 before being transferred to Portland the following day. After spending five days hospitalized, she returned to Eugene in time to be with her teammates during regional play, though doctors prohibited her from pitching because of the risk of further infection.
At one point, she said she couldn't even open her eye.
Instead of competing, Grein supported Oregon from the dugout while wearing a bandage over her left eye. The Ducks' season eventually ended with a 5-4 loss to Saint Mary's in the regional final.
The timing was especially tough considering how dominant Grein had been for Oregon. Across two standout seasons, she compiled a 53-9 record with a 2.45 ERA and 431 strikeouts.
Still, Grein made it clear what meant the most during the ordeal: the people around her.
Included in her post were photos of teammates visiting and supporting her throughout the recovery process.
"I am incredibly blessed to have the best friends and teammates on the planet," Grein wrote, "and found so much joy watching them compete this past weekend, even if it was only with one eye."
