Improbably the Oregon softball roster continues to diminish as the season nears. The ninth member of the team entered the NCAA softball transfer portal Friday morning. James Crepea of OregonLive had the initial report.

First baseman Mia Camuso is the third player to transfer this week, joining pitcher Maggie Balint and outfielder Alexis Mack. The Ducks began practice last Tuesday in preparation for the season opener on Feb. 8. Since the transfer occurred during spring term, all three players will sit the 2019 season. The previous six had the opportunity to transfer and play immediately due to the transfer portal.

Her departure brings the roster 14 players. That includes just 12 position players. Camuso was one of two returning starters still with the team after Mack departed. The lone remaining starter is Haley Cruse.

Camuso was one of three student athletes to speak with the media last Tuesday on the dawn of spring practice.

"I stayed because I really believe in Oregon," she explained. "I love Oregon with all my heart and I love the fans. That's the reason I stayed."

The junior provided the most power of the returning players. She finished second on the team in 2018 with 12 doubles and was sixth with 24 runs batted in. She started 57 games at first base, and hit .294.

The Ducks reached the Women's College World Series a year ago as the nation's No. 1 overall seed. But in the months following White's departure and Missy Lombardi's hiring, thing have gone south. The roster considered among the best in the country has been diminished to just a few returning players and a slew of freshman and transfers.

Oregon's transfer list now includes pitchers Megan Kleist, Miranda Elish and Maggie Balint, along with batters Shannon Rhodes, Lauren Burke, Mary Iakopo, Alexis Mack and Alyssa Pinto. Elish, Rhodes, Iakopo and Burke are all now on the roster at Texas where White coaches.

Oregon opens play this season on Feb. 8 when it plays at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe. They'll play five games in three days.